All Things Created

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, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him 

‘By him were all things created’ – The person we now know as Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, existed as an equal member of the Godhead from all eternity (Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8-11). Before He became God’s Son (sonship refers to humanity). He was a spirit being and carried out the divine plan of creation. He was the direct agent of God the Father who created all things by Him (Isa. 9:6; John 1:3; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:3)

‘That are in heaven, and that are in earth.’ This proves that the heavens and the things in them are just as material as those on earth (Gen. 1:1; Pro. 8:27).

‘Invisible’ – Invisible things are made up of material substance which is visible in their own realm. Created things – including spirit beings such as angels, cherubim, seraphim, etc. – are all of the material substance. Some substances are of a higher type than others. Though all are visible in their own realms, some may not be visible to others of lower realms. Spirit beings are of a higher substance than flesh and blood beings and ordinary material that we see. They are not limited to ordinary substances as we know them, for they can go through closed doors, walls, and other material objects, as proved by what is recorded in Scripture of angels and others. Even the material, spiritual, and immortal body of Christ, a real flesh-and-bone body (Luke 24:39), can go through material walls without an opening (John 20:19; Luke 24:31, 24:35-43). If this is true of angels and resurrected human bodies, it must be true of God and the Holy Spirit who are spirit beings.

‘All things were created by him, and for him.’ This is the chief end of all creation (1:16-18; Eph. 3:9-11; Rev. 4:11; 5:13-14). The sole purpose of creation and the ultimate purpose of God for creation in its fallen state now is to redeem it from all rebellion and sin and to restore it to original sinlessness and perfection (Rev. 21:3-7). This is the purpose of the reign of Christ (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 22:3).