Topical Encyclopedia
Supremacy of ChristThe supremacy of Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus Christ holds the highest position of authority and power over all creation. This doctrine is rooted in several key passages of Scripture that highlight His preeminence and divine authority.
Colossians 1:15-18 is a foundational text for understanding Christ's supremacy: "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence."
This passage emphasizes that Christ is the "image of the invisible God," indicating His divine nature and role as the perfect representation of God to humanity. As the "firstborn over all creation," Christ is not a created being but holds a position of authority and honor above all creation. The phrase "all things were created through Him and for Him" underscores His role as the agent of creation and the ultimate purpose for which all things exist.
Hebrews 1:3-4 further elaborates on Christ's supremacy: "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs."
Here, Christ is described as the "radiance of God’s glory" and the "exact representation of His nature," affirming His divine essence and authority. His position at the "right hand of the Majesty on high" signifies His exalted status and authority over all spiritual beings, including angels.
Eternality of ChristThe eternality of Christ refers to His existence beyond time, having neither beginning nor end. This attribute is essential to His divine nature and is affirmed throughout Scripture.
John 1:1-3 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage identifies Christ as the "Word" (Logos), existing with God from the beginning and being fully divine. His role in creation further attests to His eternal nature.
Revelation 1:8 records Christ's own declaration of His eternality: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty." The titles "Alpha and Omega" signify Christ as the beginning and the end, encompassing all of time and existence. His self-identification as "the Almighty" reinforces His eternal and sovereign nature.
In
John 8:58 , Jesus asserts His eternal existence with the profound statement, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" This declaration echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in
Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM," and affirms Christ's timeless existence and identity as God.
The supremacy and eternality of Christ are foundational to understanding His divine nature and role in the redemption of humanity. These attributes affirm His authority over all creation and His existence beyond the confines of time, underscoring His unique position as the eternal Son of God.