False Teachers Confused About Creation

A doctor, an engineer, and a politician were arguing as to which profession was older. “Well,” argued the doctor, “without a physician mankind could not have survived, so I am sure that mine is the oldest profession.” “No,” said the engineer, “b … More

Creation

These false teachers in Colosse were confused about creation. They taught that all matter was evil, including the human body. Therefore, Jesus did not have a real body since that would have put Him in contact with evil matter. In these verses we find Paul explaining the relationship of Jesus Christ to creation.

  1. He existed before creation (v. 15). The “Firstborn” cannot be a part of creation if He created “all things.” This means that He preceded the whole creation and He is Sovereign over all Creation. When it comes to creation Jesus is the first born of all because He created all things.
  2. He created all things (v.16). “Through Him all things were made” (John 1:3). This includes all things in heaven and earth.
  3. All things exist for Him (v. 16b). Christ is not only the one through whom all things came into being, but also the one by whom they continue to exist. If everything in creation exists for Him then nothing can be evil of itself even though it may be used for evil.
  4. He holds all things together (v. 17). Jesus Christ not only made all things, He controls all things and by Him all things are held together. Even though rulers (human or spiritual) may oppress us, they are what they are by God’s permission and power; they can do nothing except He permit it (Romans 13:1-7). This is certainly comforting for us to know.
  5. He is the head of the Church (v. 18). No believer on earth is the head of the church. This position is reserved exclusively for Jesus Christ. Therefore, no denomination or local assembly can claim to be “the body of Christ, because that body is composed of all true believers.

Application

There are many things which God created that are not evil in themselves but are being used for evil. I need to remember to glorify God in all that I do and in all that I possess.

Colossians 1:15-19 (English Standard Version)


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