Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones… A very narrow notion of the functions of Christ is afloat in the atmosphere of popular religious thought, though not formulated into dogmatic phrases. It is that our Lord is limited in work and even in nature to the mission of redemption. Such an idea implies that Christ is dependent on the existence of sin, and that His very being is but an expedient required for the deliverance of man. So stated the doctrine is monstrous. If there had been no sin, Christ would have visited the world in some way of Divine goodness. He came in the creation before the birth of sin. I. THE FACT. 1. As regards the relation of Christ to creation. This is threefold. (1) In Christ is the fundamental basis of creation. "In Him, i.e., His thoughts, are the archetypes of the worlds and their contents, and the genesis of them follows the principles of His nature. (2) Christ is the instrumental agent of creation "through Him." He is the Mediator in creation as well as redemption. (3) Christ is the end of the creation. "Unto Him," i.e., all things grow into His likeness, they move upwards towards the realization of His life. Christ in His human nature was the highest development of the upward movement of creation. They are also destined to serve and glorify Him. 2. As regards the scope and range of the work of Christ. This was universal in creation. It included:(1) All things visible and invisible, i.e., physical and spiritual existences, or things within our observation and the infinite population of the spaces beyond. (2) All orders of being, "thrones," etc., none too great for His power, none too small for His care. (3) Every variety and every individual. Different classes are specified. Creation is not a work merely of general laws, it implies individual formation under them. II. INFERENCES. 1. AS regards Christ. (1) His pre-existence. That which was Divine in Christ was before all things. The Christ-side of God, all that is so touching and winning in the marvellous revelation of God in Jesus, is no new phase of His character. It was before the sterner revelation of Sinai. It is eternal (Hebrews 13:8). (2) His glory. All that is great and beautiful in creation glorifies Him through whom it came into existence. 2. As regards the creation. (1) This must be in harmony with Christ. Therefore — (a) We must interpret its darker phases by what we know of the spirit and character of Christ. (b) We must expect that ultimately its laws and forces will make for Christianity, breathing benedictions on the faithful followers of Christ, and bringing natural penalties on those who rebel against His rule. (2) We should endeavour to trace indications of the presence of Christ in nature. (W. J. Adeney, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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