In Whom

Temple Baptist Church - 2-20-2013

 

Colossians 1:12-23

 

Introduction:

A. I do not want to preach a series on either Theology or Christology as I preach through Colossians but there is a lot about the Lord that I want to look at for a few minutes.

1. The question is often asked, “Who or what is God?” Though the question is legitimate, the answer is beyond our comprehension. I guess God said it best when He proclaimed “I AM THAT I AM.”

2. The Bible begins with “In the beginning God.” God offers neither explanation nor does He allow for argument. It is as simple as this: we either believe or we do not.

B. Now, who is this Christ Jesus?

1. Verse 15. In the metaphysical realm (a study of what is outside objective experience), He is the image of the invisible, eternal God. It is beyond the realm of our experience and, therefore, beyond our ability to know. God always was, is, and always will be. Before there was anything, God was. This is beyond human comprehension, so do not try to “figure God out.” He that cometh to God must believe that He is! He is everywhere all of the time. He knows the end from the beginning. Power belongeth to Him in heaven and earth. He needs no one or anything. He is self-existing. He is eternal. He is God.

2. Verses 15, 19. In the physical realm, He is the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. In Him we see the glory of God. In Him we see grace and truth. He is the only begotten Son of God with all of the attributes of the Trinity. Jehovah God immaculately conceived, virgin born, and sinlessly perfect. . As Jesus Christ walked this earth, the question was asked, “What manner of man is this?” Devils were subject to Him; the dead resurrected, the lame walked, the lepers healed; He fed the multitudes with little; He stilled the storm as the wind and waves obeyed His voice; He walked on water; He spake as no other man ever spake; and declared Himself to be the great “I Am” of old. He had every frailty of man with all of the power and glory of God. He was God in flesh.

3. Verses 16-17. As God, He is the creator of all things. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” These verses say it all. He created everything! He owns everything! He sustains everything! He sets government up and takes government down. He raises men up and takes them down.

4. Verse 18. As Lord, He is the Head of the church. Though He is Head of the local church, this reference is to the body of Christ. I am not a “universal church” man! I believe that the local church is God’s sole instrument on earth through which He works. But, I also recognize the body of Christ which has neither organization nor function. It encompasses the total number of the redeemed. It is the “called out ones” not yet assembled! One day, He will call the church out of this world. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch angel, and the trump of God: the dead in Christ will come forth and we will be caught up together with them in the clouds and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

5. Verse 20. As the Lamb, He is the sinner’s Sacrifice. He died for all according to this verse. I totally reject, as heretical, the damnable doctrine of Calvinism! It is biblically corrupt and morally damning. Christianity is the only religion where God lived and died for sinner. In all other religions, man lives and dies for God. Christianity is the only religion where the heart of sinful man is totally rejected as sinful and salvation is totally an act of God. In all other religions, man is declared righteous through the works of his own hands. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world and He died for me.

6. Verses 21-23. As Resurrected, He is the Reconciler of the saved. Reconciliation comes only through the perfection of His sacrifice and the acceptance of His Lordship. He is Prophet, Priest, and King simultaneously. It is through Christ that we are found holy, unblamable, and unreprovable in the sight of a thrice holy God! We have been forgiven through the blood of Christ and will be presented faultless before the throne of His glory with exceeding joy.