The Genesis Code
And He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15
Firstborn – It helps to be Jewish. You can’t read the New Testament without a thorough understanding of the Old Testament. If you read this verse without its Old Testament context, you are likely to be confused. You see, Paul is not speaking of Christ as if He were created first (born). He is referring to the title that determines the rank and privileges of being in the position of inheritance. There is no doubt whatsoever that The New Testament recognizes the pre-existence of the Christ (also a title) before He became the man, Jesus. Here the emphasis is on the fact that holding the position of primary inheritance entitles Jesus to all of the Father’s possessions – namely, all creation. Of course, we are soon to discover that the pre-incarnate Jesus is actually the author of all creation (verse 16), so He holds claim to everything by title and by creative authority.
Why does this matter to us? Isn’t it just theological jargon, too difficult for most believers to understand? Why should I care? I have to deal with traffic, children and bosses. How does this affect my life today?
Behind the words of this verse (eikon – “image” and prototokos – “firstborn”) lies a great truth about us. When Paul chooses this language, he recalls Genesis 1:26, a statement about the essential nature of every human being. God’s image resides in us. Yes, it has been defiled. Yes, it has been clouded. But, it is not erased. We are human because we somehow retain the image of the Creator. What the New Testament claims is that Jesus demonstrates the full and unsullied original image impressed on human being. He is what we were intended to be.
Is that how you think of Jesus? Do you realize that God created you to be just like Him? Don’t tell me that Jesus is perfect and you can never be perfect. Stop excusing your failures with “I’m only human.” Jesus is human, the only one of us since Adam who carries the fully revealed image of the Father. He is not just your role model; He is the first example of what we are destined to become. Jesus is you, without sin. He is the perfect image bearer.
Of course, you won’t become god. But you will become human. And Jesus is the living example of what it means to be the fully human image of God. Furthermore, Jesus is in the position of primary inheritance. All things belong to Him. That includes you and me. He has the divine right of ownership over you and me. And here’s the great news – He is willing to share His ownership with us.
Did you need encouragement this morning? How about this: Someday you will be fully human. God guarantees it. As long as you participate in a relationship with His Son, you will be conformed (actually, restored) to the original image. If that isn’t enough, you are also guaranteed a place in the inheritance. The Son has determined to share all of His ownership with you. Someday, not only will you be fully human, you will also have a place in the royal household. That’s a lot to look forward to, isn’t it?
