Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature
Eighteen proofs that God can be seen: God has been seen with a body (note, John 4:24). Man was made bodily in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6). God ate food with Abraham (Gen. 18:8). Jacob wrestled with God (Gen. 32:24). Seventy-four men ate with God (Ex. 24:1-11). Moses saw God face to face out of His glory (Ex. 33:11; 1Tim. 6:16), and he saw His back parts when he requested to see His glory (Ex. 33:18-23).
Joshua and all Israel saw Him (Jos. 5:13-15). Gideon saw God (Jdg. 6:11-23). Samson’s parents saw Him (Jdg. 13:3-23). David saw God (1Chron. 21:16-17). Job saw God (Job 42:5). Isaiah saw and described God (Isa. 6:1-13). Amos saw the Lord (Amos 9:1). Ezekiel described God (Ezek. 1:26-28; 10:20; 40:3 with Ezek. 43:7; 47:1-6). Daniel described God, even His clothes, body, and hair (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-6). Stephen saw God and Christ (Acts 7:56). John described God (Rev. 4:2-5; 5:1-7). All will see God (Rev. 21:3-4; 22:4).
‘Firstborn of every creature’ – Firstborn of Creation [Greek: prototokos] firstborn (1:15, 18; Matt. 1:25; Luke 2:7; Rom. 8:29; Heb. 11:28; 12:23) and first-begotten (Heb. 1:6; Rev. 1:5). It is used for Jesus the firstborn of Mary (Matt. 1:25; Luke 2:7) and the firstborn of Egyptians (Heb. 11:28). It means the first one born in the family. It must also be understood in this literal sense in connection with Jesus being the firstborn in God’s family. However, Sonship in this case refers to humanity and not to deity. These facts must be understood in connection with the following: The only begotten of the Father (John 1:14). The only begotten Son (John 1:18). His only begotten Son (John 3:16; 1Jn. 4:9). The only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). This day have I begotten Thee (Ps. 2:7; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5; 5:5). I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son (Heb. 1:5).
It is used for Jesus: As the firstborn of every creature (1:15). Firstborn from the dead (1:18). Firstborn of many brethren (Rom. 8:29). The Head of His body (Christian congregations) of the firstborn (Heb. 12:23). His first begotten (Heb. 1:5-6). First begotten of the dead (Rev. 1:5).
To be continued…
Living the Word 