Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 28:77 (Autumn 2024)
Article: Christ The Image Of God: Exposition And Practical-Theological Application Of Colossians 1:15
Author: Jeffrey P. Tomkins

JODT 28:77 (Autumn 2024) p. 117

Christ The Image Of God: Exposition And Practical-Theological Application Of Colossians 1:15

Jeffrey P. Tomkins

* Jeffrey P. Tomkins, B.S., M.S., M.C.Ed., Ph.D., Director of Research, Institute for Creation Research, Dallas Texas

One of the key and most comprehensive New Testament passages that sets forth Christ’s relation to God – interposed between passages proclaiming Him as Redeemer and Creator – is given in Colossians 1:15. This passage exalts his divinity as the image of God and sets the stage for setting Him forth as both Creator of all things and as creation’s providential Sustainer. The present exposition and notes will first address what is set forth in this truth that Christ is the image of the invisible God and what is meant by his being the firstborn of every creature. In summary, the verse sets forth Christ’s internal relation to God and his external relation to the creation. The profound biblical doctrine put forth in Colossians 1:15 not only has importance to Christology in general, but the modern creation science movement of which this author is a contributor.

Context – Colossians 1

Paul wrote to the “saints and faithful brethren” at Colossae who mostly appear to be Gentiles, but have apparently been affected by a combination of Jewish legalism and pagan philosophy and mysticism. Paul began the epistle by blessing the church with a typical greeting, and acknowledging their faith in Christ (vv. 1–8). Then, as he did in Ephesians, presented a powerful prayer that all believers can use as a model of intercession in their own lives (vv. 9–12). He then briefly mentioned redemption in Christ through his blood, and receiving the forgiveness of sins (vv. 13–14). Paul then moved into the foundation for the rest of the epistle, which is the supremacy of Christ in all things including acknowledging Him (v. 15) as the image of God and firstborn of creation, which is the topic of this article.

Colossians 1:15a

ὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου 1

JODT 28:77 (Autumn 2024) p. 118

Translation

“He is the image of the invisible God”2