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Colossians 1:14-18 lifts our eyes to the greatness and majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul writes that in Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He then declares that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the One by whom all things were created, whether visible or invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers.
This teaching confronts the same kind of confusion that surrounded the church at Colossae. Christ is not one spiritual option among many. He is not merely a helpful teacher, a religious guide, or a part of a larger spiritual system. All things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. The study presses us to see that Jesus is the Creator, Sustainer, Head of the Church, and firstborn from the dead.
The message also points to the wonder of the cross. The One who holds all things together allowed Himself to be struck, scourged, nailed, and lifted up for sinners. Christ held together the very creation that was used against Him, because He came to redeem His people. The right response is not casual familiarity, but worship, faith, and a life that gives Him first place in all things.