“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
(Colossians 1:17)
In Colossians 1, Paul carefully distinguishes a twofold preeminence belonging to Christ, necessary for guarding both His glory and the truth of the Gospel. The first preeminence is universal, absolute, and without limitation, which belongs to Christ as the eternal Son of God. The second is particular, redemptive, and covenantal, which belongs to Him as Mediator and Head of the Church.
Verses 15, 16, and 17 speak unmistakably of Christ in His divine nature. “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 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.” Creation is the work of God alone, and Scripture attributes that work directly to Christ. He is before all things and He is the one by whom all things hold together.
Verse 18, however, turns deliberately to Christ as Mediator. “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.” Here the Apostle speaks of Christ’s redemptive office, His mediatorial kingship exercised for the sake of His people. This distinction is plain in the text and has been recognized throughout the history of orthodox interpretation.
Some attempt to read verses 15 through 17 as though they refer only to Christ in His mediatorial role. And yet even those who attempt it are forced to admit that Christ created the world as God and not as Mediator. Moreover, creation precedes redemption. Being precedes office. To argue otherwise is to confuse order, nature, and purpose.
This distinction does not diminish Christ’s mediatorial kingdom; it protects it. Christ as Mediator reigns truly and gloriously. He is Head of the Church. He is the firstborn from the dead. He reigns until all His enemies are put under His feet. Yet His mediatorial reign does not replace or redefine His eternal dominion as God. Rather, it rests upon it. The same Christ who governs His Church by covenant also governs all things by nature.
Colossians 1:17 affirms Christ is before all things, meaning He is not only prior in rank, but also in being. And that by Him all things consist. The universe is not self-sustaining and history does not drift. Every moment of our continued existence depends upon the active, sovereign upholding power of the eternal Son. And that truth demands our worship.[1]
Contemplations:
- Christ is not sustained by what He sustains. “He is before all things” and everything depends on Him. I often think about how Christ fits into my life, when in truth my life only exists because He holds it together. I need to remember that my breath, my body, and my circumstances are upheld by Christ who governs all.
- Creation rests on a person, not a principle. “By him all things consist” means that the stability of the universe is active and personal. Christ Himself upholds it. Though the world feels solid and predictable, it stands only because Christ wills it to stand. This draws me to both worship and gratitude.
- The glory of Christ’s mediation depends on His deity. I see now why the Apostle distinguishes Christ as God from Christ as Mediator. If Christ were not truly God, His mediatorial work would collapse. But because He is eternal, His saving work is secure. I am so thankful that my salvation rests on One who is before all things and not subject to decay or failure.
- Nothing in my life is neutral ground. If Christ upholds all things, then no moment of my life exists outside His sustaining power. That means comfort and trial alike are held together by Him. I am ever preserved by Christ even when circumstances feel unstable.
Prayer (thanksgiving)
Eternal and glorious Christ, I give You thanks that You are before all things. I praise You that nothing precedes You and nothing stands apart from Your sustaining power. I thank You that the world does not hold itself together, and that my life does not depend on chance, strength, or wisdom, but on You. You uphold all things, and I rest in that truth.
I thank You that creation itself testifies to Your Godhead. You are its maker and preserver. Every moment of existence flows from Your will. I thank You that my days are not fragile but held firmly by the eternal Son. My breath, my steps, my thoughts, and my future continue because You sustain them.
I give thanks that Your mediatorial work rests on Your divine being. Because You are true God, Your work as Mediator is strong and sufficient. I thank You that the same Christ who died for my sins also governs the universe, and that nothing can threaten what You have accomplished.
I thank You for the order and faithfulness of Your rule. Thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers exist under Your authority. History does not drift beyond Your control. Even when I do not understand what You are doing, I am grateful that all things consist in You and not in chaos.
I thank You for preserving me day by day. I often take stability for granted, yet every moment is a gift upheld by You. Teach me to live with gratitude instead of assumption. Let thanksgiving replace anxiety and reverence replace carelessness. Make me mindful that my life is sustained by grace as surely as my salvation is.
I thank You for being unchanging while all things change and for being eternal while I am frail. I thank You that You hold the world together, and that You will not fail to hold Your people fast.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Col. 1:17:
John 1:1, John 8:58, Micah 5:2, Heb. 1:3
[1] George Gillespie, Aaron’s Rod Blossoming, (London: E.G. for Richard Whitaker .., 1646), 201–202.
