False Teachers Confused About Creation
May 27, 2021
Commentary
These false teachers in Colosse were confused about creation. They taught that all matter was evil, including the human body. Therefore, Jesus did not have a real body since that would have put Him in contact with evil matter. In these verses we find Paul explaining the relationship of Jesus Christ to creation.
He existed before creation (v. 15). The “Firstborn” cannot be a part of creation if He created “all things.” This means that He preceded the whole creation and He is Sovereign over all Creation. When it comes to creation Jesus is the first born of all because He created all things.He created all things (v.16). “Through Him all things were made” (John 1:3). This includes all things in heaven and earth.All things exist for Him (v. 16b). Christ is not only the one through whom all things came into being, but also the one by whom they continue to exist. If everything in creation exists for Him then nothing can be evil of itself even though it may be used for evil.He holds all things together (v. 17). Jesus Christ not only made all things, He controls all things and by Him all things are held together. Even though rulers (human or spiritual) may oppress us, they are what they are by God’s permission and power; they can do nothing except He permit it (Romans 13:1-7). This is certainly comforting for us to know.He is the head of the Church (v. 18). No believer on earth is the head of the church. This position is reserved exclusively for Jesus Christ. Therefore, no denomination or local assembly can claim to be “the body of Christ, because that body is composed of all true believers.
Application
There are many things which God created that are not evil in themselves but are being used for evil. I need to remember to glorify God in all that I do and in all that I possess.
Colossians 1:15– 19 (NET)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation,
16 for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him.
17 He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him.
18 He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things.
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son
Illustration: During The British Coronation Ceremony
J B Phillips, perhaps the best known of Bible translators wrote of his experiences. He said its power overwhelmed him: “Translating the New Testament”, he said, “was like rewiring a house with the mains left on.” What a testimony to the use of the Bible! We must be careful how we handle the Scriptures. During the British Coronation ceremony a Bible is presented to the monarch with the words: “We present you with the Bible, the most valuable thing which this world affords. Here is wisdom. This is the Royal law. These are the lively oracles of God.” (Source Unknown)