The Work of Christ

Call to Worship Text

Ephesians 2:12–16 KJV 1900

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Text

Colossians 1:15–22 KJV 1900

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 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: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 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 might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Introduction

Christ’s Work in Creation - vv 15-17

Colossians 1:15–17 KJV 1900

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 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: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Paul begins by describing Christ as the "image of the invisible God" (v. 15), meaning He perfectly reveals and represents God to humanity. He is also called the "firstborn over all creation," which signifies His preeminence and authority over all things, not that He was created.

Paul explains that:

All things were created through Him and for Him (v. 16), including everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, such as thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities.

Christ is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together (v. 17). This highlights His eternal existence and sustaining power over creation.

Christ’s Work in the Church - v 18

Colossians 1:18 KJV 1900

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 might have the preeminence.

Paul transitions to Christ's role in the Church, describing Him as the "head of the body, the Church." This metaphor emphasizes His leadership, authority, and life-giving connection to His people. Additionally, Christ is called "the beginning" and "the firstborn from the dead," signifying His resurrection as the foundation of new creation and His preeminence in all things.

The Fullness of God in Christ - v 19

Colossians 1:19 KJV 1900

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Paul declares that "in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." This affirms Christ's divinity and the completeness of God's nature residing in Him. It underscores that Christ is fully God and fully capable of accomplishing the divine work of salvation.

Christ’s Work of Reconciliation - vv 20-22

Colossians 1:20–22 KJV 1900

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

The passage culminates in Christ's redemptive work. Through His death on the cross, Christ reconciles all things to Himself, "whether on earth or in heaven," making peace by the blood of His cross (v. 20). This reconciliation is both cosmic and personal.

Paul reminds the Colossians of their former alienation and hostility toward God due to sin (v. 21). However, through Christ's sacrificial death, they have been reconciled and presented as "holy, blameless, and above reproach" before God (v. 22). This highlights the transformative power of Christ's work in restoring the relationship between humanity and God.

Application & Closing

Is he your Creator.

Is he your Redeemer.

Is he your Sustainer.

Is he your Peace.

Are you in Christ? Do you have peace with God?