One of the most important verses on the deity of Christ is found in Colossians 1:16. It says, “For by him all things were created, 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.” You cannot overlook the fact that the writer is referring to Jesus! Commenting on a verse in the book of Hebrews, Adrian Rogers preaches, “But now let me say something else. Not only does Jesus expound the mind of God, but Jesus also executes the will of God. Look in verse 2: “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,”—now watch this—“whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person,”—now watch this—“and upholding all things by the word of his power.” He made all things. He controls all things. Jesus runs and regulates the universe. Jesus created it all, and Jesus controls it all.”[1]
Paul makes perfectly clear Christ’s relationship with the universe. He created it all! It’s interesting that the Old Testament pictures “wisdom” as the basic source of creation. Greek philosophy used the “Logos” to define the creative energy of the universe. The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus is the full “wisdom” of God as well as the divine “Logos” that became flesh and dwelled amongst us. In explaining Jesus as the ultimate creator, Paul lists the things that Jesus created. He begins by saying “all” things. In this list, we see that Jesus created space, the sky, the earth, the stars, souls, angels, and humans! Nothing’s left out! That requires acceptance of the truth that Jesus also created you and me!
Verse 17 adds to this teaching. It says, “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Jesus is holding the world together. He not only created it and controls it, but He also sustains it. He keeps it all together. Another preacher said, “All things are placed together, set in place, and held together. Jesus created it all, placed everything in its proper position, and holds it together by His power! Have you ever considered what keeps the Earth in orbit? What keeps us from speeding uncontrollably through space? What has prevented the total destruction of Earth from asteroids or other large space debris? What keeps our bodies working in perfect order? Jesus is keeping it all together. Lightfoot said, “Jesus Christ is the principle of cohesion in the universe. He impresses upon creation that unity and solidarity which makes it a cosmos instead of a chaos.”[2]
I heard people ask, “Why am I here?” This verse gives them the answer. Since all things were created by Him and for Him, they are here, and we are all here because Jesus wanted us here. Revelation 4:11 says that Jesus “created all things, and for His pleasure and purpose they were created.” We are all here because Jesus wanted us here and because He had a purpose for each and every one of us. That gives the greatest reason for living and the greatest significance and purpose for our lives.
[1] Rogers, Adrian. 2017. “Our Superlative Savior.” In Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive, Heb 1:1–4. Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust.
[2] Benfield, Chris. 2015. “Who Is This Man? (Colossians 1:14–20).” In Pulpit Pages: New Testament Sermons, 1137. Mount Airy, NC: Chris Benfield.