He Is Before All Things – Part 2

August 3, 2022July 25, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

As God, the person we now know as Jesus Christ had no beginning, was not begotten, was not a Son, and did not come into being. He always existed as God (Ps. 90:2; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8). But as man and as God’s Son He was not eternal. He had a beginning. He was begotten – at the same time, Mary had a Son. Therefore, the doctrine of the eternal sonship of Jesus Christ is irreconcilable to reason, unscriptural, and contradictory to itself. Eternity has no beginning, so if He has been God from eternity, then He could not have a beginning as God. Eternity has no reference to time, so if He was begotten “this day,” then it was done in time and not in eternity.

The word Son supposes time, generations, father, mother, beginning, and conception – unless one is a son by creation, as Adam (Luke 3:38), and angels (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Gen. 6:1-4). Time, created, and beginning, are opposites to God and eternity and are absolutely impossible to reconcile with them. If sonship refers to deity, not to humanity, then this person of the Deity had a beginning in time and not in eternity. It is plainly stated in Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5 that God had a Son “this day” and not in eternity. It is stated in Hebrews 1:5-7; Lukev1:35 and Matthew 1:18-25 when this took place. It was nearly 2,000 years ago. It had been predicted that God would have a Son (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Heb. 1:5; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:32-35). This was fulfilled when the virgin conceived “of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 1:20), not at any other time. To say that God had an eternal Son would mean He had two; but it is plainly stated that Jesus was “the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14, 18; 3:16-18; 1Jn. 4:9).

‘By him all things consist’ – Not only did He create all things (1:16), but all things are held together by Him (Heb. 1:3).

He Is Before All Things – Part 1

August 2, 2022July 25, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

‘And he is before all things’ He is an eternal being (Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Mic. 5:1-2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8-11; Ps. 90:2). The person who was to be born in Bethlehem of the tribe of Judah of the nation of Israel was to be God – an eternal Being “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Mic. 5:2; Isa. 9:6-7; John 1:1-3, 14; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8; 2:8; 22:13). As man He had a beginning, was begotten, and was brought into being; but as God, He had no beginning, was not begotten, and did not come into being From John 1:1 we see the following: “In the beginning [dateless past] was the Word, and the Word [Jesus] was with God, and the Word was God [part of the Trinity].”

From Acts 13:33 we see Psalm 2:7 quoted: “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.” This refers to the incarnation when the second person of the Divine Trinity took a human body to redeem (Php. 2:5-11; Isa. 7:14; 9:6). It was when God had a Son through Mary (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14). This happened on a certain day: “This day have I begotten thee” (Heb. 1:5-7). Therefore, we cannot say that God had a Son before this time. This proves that sonship in connection with God had to refer to humanity and not deity.

To be continued…

All Things Created

August 1, 2022July 25, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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).

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 5

July 29, 2022July 4, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature

The word Son supposes time, generations, father, mother, beginning, and conception -unless one is a son by creation, as Adam (Luke 3:38), and angels (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Gen. 6:1-4). Time, created, and beginning, are opposites to God and eternity and are absolutely impossible to reconcile with them. If sonship refers to deity, not to humanity, then this person of the Deity had a beginning in time and not in eternity. It is plainly stated in Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5; 5:5 that God had a Son “this day” and not in eternity. It is stated in Hebrews 1:5-7; Luke 1:35 and Matthew 1:18-25 when this took place. It was nearly 2,000 years ago. It had been predicted that God would have a Son (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Heb. 1:5; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:32-35). This was fulfilled when the virgin conceived “of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 1:20), not at any other time. To say that God had an eternal Son would mean He had two; but it is plainly stated that Jesus was “the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14, 18; 3:16-18; 1Jn. 4:9).

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 4

July 28, 2022July 4, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature

With these facts it is clear in what sense Jesus is “the firstborn of every creature” or of all creation (1:15), and “the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29). All creation came into existence by creative acts, not by a begetting as in the case of Jesus. Even the “many brethren” are not begotten in the sense Jesus was by the Holy Spirit. They were begotten by people, not by God, and were thus brought into the human family, not the family of God. The only way one gets into God’s family is by adoption (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:5-6; Eph. 1:5). Jesus is the only begotten Son … the first of all creatures to be begotten of God, the only one of all beings begotten of God, the first and only one of the family of adopted and “created” brethren begotten of God (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), the first begotten of or from the dead, and the firstfruit of the resurrection of all men (1:18; 1Cor. 15:23-33; Rev. 1:5). The body of Christ (consisting of all Christian congregations) is the called-out people of the one who is the firstborn (Heb. 12:23). Adam and angels were by creation, not by begetting (Luke 3:38; Gen. 6:1-4; Job 1:6; 38:4-7).

This refers to the incarnation when the second person of the Divine Trinity took a human body to redeem (Php. 2:5-11; Isa. 7:14; 9:6). It was when God had a Son through Mary (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14). This happened on a certain day: “This day have I begotten thee” (Heb. 1:5-7). Therefore, we cannot say that God had a Son before this time. This proves that sonship in connection with God had to refer to humanity and not to deity.

To be continued…

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 3

July 27, 2022July 4, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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…

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 2

July 26, 2022July 4, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature

He has a personal soul with feelings of grief (Gen. 6:6), anger (1Kin. 11:9), repentance (Gen. 6:6), jealousy (Ex. 20:5), hate (Prov. 6:16), love (John 3:16), pity (Ps. 103:13), fellowship (1Jn. 1:1-7), pleasure and delight (Ps. 147:10), and other soul passions like other beings (Gal. 5:22-23).

He has a personal spirit (Ps. 143:10; Isa. 30:1) with the mind (Rom. 11:34), intelligence (Gen. 1:26; Rom. 11:33), will (Rom. 8:27; 9:19), power (Eph. 1:19; 3:7, 20; Heb. 1:3), truth (Ps. 91:4), faith and hope (Rom. 12:3; 1Cor. 13:13), righteousness (Ps. 45:4), faithfulness (1Cor. 10:13), knowledge and wisdom (Isa. 11:2; 1Tim. 1:17), reason (Isa. 1:18), discernment (Heb. 4:12), immutability (Heb. 6:17), and many other attributes, powers, and spirit faculties.

He has been seen physically many times (Gen. 18:1-33; 32:24-30; Ex. 24:9-11; Jos. 5:13-15; Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-13; Ezek. 1:1-28; Acts 7:56-59; Rev. 4-5) and can be understood by the things that are made. Man is the visible image and likeness making the invisible God clearly seen as in Romans 1:20.

‘Invisible’ [Greek: aoratos] (Col. 1:15-16; Rom. 1:20; 1Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27). The word means not in sight, unseen, concealed. Invisibility consists more of distance than substance. Cities or other material objects cannot be seen even 48 kilometres away. At this distance they are invisible. Objects concealed are invisible. Anything out of eyesight is invisible. God, angels, and other spirit beings are thus invisible. They can appear or disappear at will. They have been seen with the natural eyes many times, proving that invisibility must be understood with them as with all other invisible things that can become visible.

To be continued…

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 1

July 25, 2022July 4, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature

‘Image’ [Greek: eikon] a figure; image; likeness. Here it means outward and bodily image (Matt. 22:20; Mark 12:16; Luke 20:24; Rom. 1:23; 1Cor. 11:7; 15:49; 2Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15; Heb. 10:1; Rev. 13:14-15; 14:9-11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4). It is used only three times of moral and spiritual likeness (Rom. 8:29; 2Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:10).

God is a Spirit Being, not the sun, moon, or stars; nor an image of wood, stone, or metal; and not beast or man. He is not the air, wind, universal mind, love or some impersonal quality. He is a person with a personal spirit body, a personal soul, and a personal spirit, like that of angels, and like that of a man except His body is of spirit substance instead of flesh and bones (Job 13:8; Heb. 1:3).

He has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Php. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9). He has physical parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), loins (Ezek. 1:26-28; 8:1-4), and other physical parts. He has bodily presence (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-22) and goes from place to place in a body like all other persons (Gen. 3:8; 11:5; 18:1-5, 22, 33; 19:24; 32:24-32; 35:13; Zech. 14:5; Dan. 7:9-14; Tit. 2:13). He has a voice (Ps. 29:1-11; Rev. 10:3-4); breath (Gen. 2:7); and countenance (Ps. 11:7). He wears clothes (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); eats (Gen. 18:1-8; Ex. 24:11); rests (Gen. 2:1-4; Heb. 4:4); dwells in a mansion and in a city located on a material place called Heaven (John 14:1-3; Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14; Rev. 21:1-27); sits on a throne (Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-14; Rev. 4:1-5; 22:3-6); walks (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-8, 22, 33); rides (Ps. 18:10; 68:17; 104:3; Ezek. 1:1-28); and engages in other activities.

To be continued…

Redemption

July 22, 2022July 4, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins

‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.’ This is the price God paid to manifest His grace and adopt us as sons (1:14; Rom. 3:24-25; 8:23; 1Cor. 1:30; Heb. 12:15; Rev. 5:9-10).

‘Redemption’ [Greek: lutrosis] a ransoming. It is from lutron [a ransom price of redemption; an atonement; a release on receipt of a ransom price; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45] and lutroo to redeem (1Pet. 1:18; Luke 24:21; Tit. 2:14) The Greek word apolutrosis means to redeem by paying the price (Ex. 21:8; Gal. 3:13); a deliverance by paying a ransom (1Tim. 2:6); deliverance from the penalty of sin, including forgiveness of sin (1:14; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7, 14; 4:30; Heb. 9:15); and restoration of all creation from the curse (Rom. 8:23).

Man sold himself as a slave to sin and satan. God paid the price of His redemption. Man is now obligated to meet God’s terms of faith, repentance, and service if he wants to be redeemed. The ultimate redemption by atonement is not only to remove all sins but also all sicknesses with complete redemption of body as well as soul (Rom. 8:11, 17-24; Php. 3:21; Eph. 5:27). If God deals with sin now, He also deals with disease as clearly revealed in the whole truth (Isa. 6:10; 61:1; Matt. 13:15; John 10:10).

There are seven steps of gospel redemption: The plan of God to redeem the world by the incarnation of God’s Son (Gal. 4:4; Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25). The manifestation of God’s Son in “the fulness of the time” (Gal. 4:4; Dan. 9:24-26; Matt. 1:18-25). The circumstances of His appearing: made of a woman; made under the law; to be a perfect sacrifice (Gal. 4:4-5; John 3:16; Heb. 10:1-18). The redemption by His death (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 3:24; 1Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:15). The sonship by adoption of all who believe (Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:14-16; Eph. 1:5). The impartation of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:9-16; Gal. 3:14). The heirship of all sons (Gal. 4:7; Rom. 8:14-18; Eph. 1:11; 1Pet. 1:4).

Pray for You

July 21, 2022July 4, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Colossians 1:9-13 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son

‘Pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’ Twelve things prayed for the Colossians: To be filled with the knowledge of His will (1:9). To be filled with all wisdom. To have spiritual understanding. To walk worthy of the Lord (1:10). To walk pleasing to the Lord. To be fruitful in all good works. To increase in the knowledge of God. To be strengthened with all might (1:11). To have His glorious power. To have all patience. To have all longsuffering. To have joy.

Ten conditions of answered prayer: Have the faith of God (Rom. 4:17; Heb. 11:3; Gal. 5:22-23). Pray: say in no uncertain terms what you want (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; John 15:7). Have unlimited faith without qualifying and limiting God’s will or what you want (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; John 15:7, 16). Refuse to doubt in the heart (Mark 11:23; Matt. 17:20; Jas. 1:5-8). Believe that whatever is asked will be given (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:21-22; Heb. 11:6). Believe that whatever is asked is already granted (Mark 11:24; Matt. 17:20; 1Jn. 5:14-15). Be authoritative and command to come to pass what is asked (Mark 9:23; 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20). Believe that what you want is God’s will (Mark 11:24; John 15:7; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Never say “if it be Thy will” concerning anything you ask that is definitely promised of God in His word (Mark 11:23; Ps. 84:11; 2Cor. 1:20; 2Pet. 1:3-4). Have a clean heart and life with God and man (Mark 11:25; John 15:7; 1Jn. 3:22-23).

‘Made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.’ Qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints. This refers to every promise and provision of the gospel for believers who are delivered from the power of satan and are translated into the kingdom of God (1:12-13; Acts 26:18; 2Cor. 1:20; John 14:12-15).

‘Translated’ [Greek: methistemi] to transfer, exchange, remove. Here it means to deliver from satan and his power and kingdom of sin, sickness, and depravity to be placed under the government of the Son of God’s love. This transfer is made possible by redemption through the blood of Christ (1:14).