Scripture Foundation
Colossians 1:15–17 (NKJV)
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
1. Understanding the Title “Firstborn”
The phrase “firstborn over all creation” has caused confusion for many. Some think it means Jesus was created, but Scripture gives a different picture.
The word firstborn in biblical terms often refers to rank, authority, and inheritance, not to being the first created being.
In the ancient world, the firstborn son held a place of honor and had authority over the family’s inheritance. When the Bible calls Jesus “the firstborn,” it means He holds supreme authority and preeminence over all creation.
Psalm 89:27 says of the Messiah,
“I will make Him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.”
Here, firstborn means highest in rank, not first in birth order.
So when Paul wrote in Colossians that Jesus is the “firstborn over all creation,” he declared that Jesus is Lord and Ruler of everything that exists.
2. The Image of the Invisible God
Before creation began, there was God, unseen and eternal. Jesus reveals who God is.
Paul said in Colossians 1:15,
“He is the image of the invisible God.”
The word image means exact representation. Jesus doesn’t merely reflect God like a mirror; He is the full expression of God in visible form.
In John 1:18, we read:
“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”
To see Jesus is to see the nature, love, and power of God revealed. When He spoke, healed, forgave sins, and showed compassion, He was showing the very heart of God to humanity.
This truth changes how you see your faith. You’re not following an idea or a religion—you’re following a Person who embodies the fullness of divine reality.
3. The Creator, Not the Created
Paul continues in Colossians 1:16:
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible.”
Jesus is not part of creation; He is the source of creation. Everything—from galaxies to atoms, from angels to humans—was made through Him and for Him.
John confirms this in John 1:3:
“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
This means the mountains, oceans, animals, and even the unseen spiritual powers all exist through His creative word.
Jesus was there before time began. He is eternal.
Micah 5:2 prophesied this truth:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
Before He was born in Bethlehem, He already existed. He was never created, for He is the Creator of all.
4. All Things Exist for Him
Notice the last part of Colossians 1:16:
“All things were created through Him and for Him.”
Everything exists for Jesus. The universe was designed to bring Him glory.
Your life, talents, and purpose find their meaning only in Him.
When you understand this, you stop living for yourself. You realize your purpose is to live for His pleasure and His will.
Romans 11:36 says,
“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”
Every believer must align their priorities with this truth. You were not made to chase fame or possessions. You were made to reflect His glory and serve His purpose on earth.
5. Jesus Holds All Things Together
Colossians 1:17 declares,
“And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
This means Jesus sustains the universe. Every law of physics, every breath you take, every heartbeat continues because He holds it all together.
Hebrews 1:3 adds,
“He upholds all things by the word of His power.”
The planets stay in orbit, the stars remain in place, and creation maintains order because His word sustains it.
Without Him, everything would collapse into chaos.
This truth brings comfort. If Jesus can hold the universe together, He can hold your life together.
No situation is beyond His control. When you trust Him, you rest in the One who keeps all things in perfect order.
6. The Firstborn from the Dead
Paul also calls Jesus the “firstborn from the dead” in Colossians 1:18:
“And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Here, firstborn means Jesus was the first to rise from death to immortality, never to die again.
Others were raised, like Lazarus, but they later died. Jesus rose to live forever, defeating death once and for all.
His resurrection guarantees yours.
Because He lives, you will live also (John 14:19).
He became the “firstborn” of a new creation—those redeemed and made alive through His victory over death.
7. His Supremacy Over All Powers
Paul’s teaching in Colossians came at a time when false teachers were claiming angels or spiritual beings were superior mediators between God and humans. Paul corrected this by showing that Jesus is above all thrones, dominions, and powers.
Colossians 2:10 says,
“You are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
No force, demon, or ruler stands equal to Him.
Every authority bows before His name.
Philippians 2:9–10 declares,
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”
This means your victory is secure in Him. You don’t need to fear dark powers, curses, or oppression. The One who created all things reigns over all.
8. The Head of the Body
Jesus is not only supreme over creation; He is also the Head of the Body, which is the community of believers.
Colossians 1:18 says,
“He is the head of the body, the church.”
This shows relationship and direction.
As the head gives life and guidance to the body, Jesus gives life and direction to His followers.
Cut off from Him, the body dies. Connected to Him, the body thrives.
John 15:5 reminds us,
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Your life and ministry must remain connected to Him.
When you submit to His leadership, you receive wisdom, strength, and fruitfulness.
9. Reconciling All Things
Paul concludes this section by showing Jesus’ role in reconciliation.
Colossians 1:19–20 says,
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”
Through His sacrifice, Jesus brought peace between God and humanity.
Sin created separation, but His blood restored fellowship.
This reconciliation is not only personal but cosmic. The entire creation, broken by sin, will one day be restored under His authority.
Romans 8:21 says,
“The creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
10. Living Under His Lordship
Understanding Jesus as the firstborn over all creation demands a response.
If He is supreme over all, then He must also be supreme in your life.
Ask yourself:
- Does He rule your thoughts, choices, and desires?
- Is He the center of your worship and daily walk?
Colossians 3:17 urges,
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Your work, speech, and service must reflect His authority.
To acknowledge Jesus as firstborn is to submit to His leadership in every area—spiritual, moral, and practical.
11. The Hope of Glory
Paul ends with hope.
In Colossians 1:27, he writes:
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
The One who created all things lives within you through His Spirit.
That presence gives you strength to endure trials and courage to live holy.
When He returns, you will share in His glory.
Romans 8:29 says,
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
This means you are being shaped to reflect His image. You are part of the family where Jesus is the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
12. A Call to Worship and Surrender
Worship is the natural response to His supremacy.
When John saw a vision of heaven in Revelation 5:12, he heard the angels saying,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
He deserves nothing less than total devotion.
Your worship should flow from understanding who He is—the firstborn over all creation, the eternal Word, the risen Lord, and the sustainer of all.
Surrender every part of your life to Him.
Honor Him not only with words but with obedience, purity, and service.
Jesus is not one among many. He is above all.
He is before all things, the source of creation, the ruler of all authorities, the firstborn from the dead, and the head of His people.
He reigns forever, and all creation exists for His glory.
Align your heart, purpose, and worship with this truth.
Let your life proclaim: “Jesus is supreme over all creation, and He reigns within me.”