The book of Colossians was written to make clear that Jesus Christ is the preeminent God-man over heaven and earth in both his person and work. “The preeminence of Christ breathes through all of Colossians.”[1] The apostle Paul relentlessly and consistently communicates throughout the book of Colossians the preeminence of Jesus Christ over all things. His purpose was to set the preeminence of Christ over and against the “Colossian heresy,” but—in God's providence—he has allowed the Colossian friction to become our theological traction in discovering the preeminence of Jesus.
In Colossians 1:16, we see that all things exist for Jesus. “All things were created through him and for him.” He is not only the Creator, but the ultimate point of creation. All things that exist do so for the pure pleasure and glory of Christ. Jesus Christ is not only preeminent in the means of creation, but also in the goal of creation. Not only are these things created by Jesus Christ, but they are created for the Creator himself—Jesus Christ. All things exist for His pleasure and preeminence. This should greatly impact how we view the world around us. Although we derive great enjoyment from creation, no one gets more satisfaction than Jesus. Although creation can be satisfying to us, nothing will gratify us more than knowing Jesus, the author of all creation. How dare we put anything above Him! May we put everything in subjection under His feet (including ourselves)... where it rightfully belongs.
We also see the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ in a more practical sections of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Paul argues that “Christ is all” (3:11) and that racial distinctions do not hinder the gospel because of the preeminence of Christ. The preeminence of Christ extends over and above all human barriers. In Colossians 3:17-24 the apostle Paul lists the preeminence of Christ as a motivation to work hard, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.” Because Christ is preeminent, all things should be done in his name including work, word, and deed, thanking the Father through Christ.
The preeminence of Jesus supersedes any line we could ever draw or throne we could ever build. He's going to reign whether we like it or not... so let's embrace that fact and live before him.
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