Deity and Supremacy of Christ

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Colossians 1:19-20

For God was pleased to have
all his fullness dwell in him,
²⁰ and through him to reconcile
everything to himself,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace
through his blood, shed on the cross.

(CSB)

While John 3:16 states that belief in Jesus provides eternal life, it is in the context of a discourse with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews.  The theme of Jesus’ discourse with Nicodemus is one experiencing a new birth of the Spirit that provides forgiveness from sins.  Even demons believe in God and tremble yet they do not experience salvation from God.  John 3:16 is not some magic words that provide eternal life but when viewed in context indicate belief with commitment by someone desiring a transformation in their life (John 3:1-21). 

The thesis and theme of the Book of Colossians is the deity and supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-20).  The Apostle Paul includes this declaration in Colossians perhaps due to reports of false teaching from the report of Epaphras (Colossians 2:8).  Colossians 2:16-19 provides a hint as to what false teaching was trying to knock the Church at Colossae off its Christ-centered focus, attempting to replace the message of grace with legalism.  While one professing a saving belief in Jesus as their savior will experience a transformation in how they live their life (Romans 12:2), forced legalism is not how this transformation occurs.  Prior to Jesus’ birth the law existed but only serves to show us God’s standard and our failure to live up to that standard without the help of Jesus (Romans 7). 

As we progress through our study of the Book of Colossians, we will see how from this thesis, the Apostle Paul provides encouragement to remain Christ-centered in our belief.  The study will define what it means to live a life reconciliated to God through Christ with Paul affirming the purpose of his ministry is declaring and teaching how to be reconciled to Christ (Colossians 1:21-2:3).  After warning against false teaching (Colossians 2:4-23) the teaching encourages a focus on Christ instead of a legalistic focus (Colossians 3:1-4).  Colossians 3:5-4:6 provides specifics on how Christians are to live lives centered on Christ. 

It is important to remember that the Apostle Paul is writing this letter of affirmation about the deity and supremacy of Christ from Jail.  He could have written a scathing letter of rebuke aimed at the Roman government for holding him prisoner for his faith but instead writes about the supremacy of Christ.  Not only is Paul teaching about the virtues of living a Christ-centered life but demonstrates it from a Roman prison. 

The test of whether Christ is supreme in one’s life is how they react in adversity.  Jesus warned us that adversity would come in this world but also reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  John 9 records the account of Jesus’ healing a man born blind.  Since the miracle of healing occurred on the Sabbath, the spiritually blind Pharisees focus on the circumstance of when the healing occurred instead of the one healing the man.  As we begin our study of Colossians, may we learn to live lives focused on the deity and supremacy of Jesus the Messiah and not blinded by our circumstances. 

However, before one can fully realize the deity and supremacy of Jesus in their lives, they must accept Jesus as their Messiah.  Romans 10:9-10 teaches that making a declaration of Jesus as Lord accompanied with belief God raised Him from the dead is how one receives salvation.  If you have not done so, I invite you to make this profession of faith by praying with me now,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

As we progress through the Book of Colossians for the next few Saturdays let us not forget the foundation of the deity and supremacy of Christ.   I encourage those reading this to share this link by email, text, or on social media, inviting others to join in the study.  May God bless everyone reading this post.