Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead… The same place and dignity that Christ has in the order of nature He has in the order of grace; He is the beginning of the new as He was also of the old creation. I. IN THE WAY OF ORDER AS FIRST AND CHIEF OF THE RENEWED STATE. 1. AS Founder and Builder of the Church (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 3:3-5). One of the noblest of God's works is His Church of the firstborn; none could constitute it but the God-man. For the materials are sinful and guilty men. Neither men nor angels could raise them into a holy temple to God. 2. As the Lord of the Church (Hebrews 2:7). II. IN THE WAY OF CAUSALITY. 1. As a moral, meritorious cause (1 John 4:9, 10). 2. As an efficient cause by His Spirit who works in the members of His mystical body (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10). The influence we have from our Head is — (1) Life (Galatians 2:20; John 6:57). (2) Likeness (Galatians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 3:18). It is for the honour of Christ that His image should be upon His members, to distinguish them from others. As to life, He is the root (John 15:1, 2); as to likeness, He is the pattern (Romans 8:29). III. THE REASON OF THIS. 1. It is for the honour of the Son to be the Head of the new world. In the kingdom of Christ all thing are new; a new covenant, paradise, ministry, ordinances, members, and so a new Head or Second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). It is suited to our lost estate. (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. |
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