Topical Encyclopedia The term "pre-eminent" refers to surpassing all others in rank, dignity, or importance. In a biblical context, it is often used to describe the supreme status of Jesus Christ in relation to creation, the Church, and all things. The concept of pre-eminence is deeply rooted in the understanding of Christ's divine nature and His role in God's redemptive plan.Christ's Pre-eminence in Creation Colossians 1:15-18 is a key passage that highlights the pre-eminence of Christ. The Apostle Paul writes, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have pre-eminence" . Here, Christ is described as the "firstborn over all creation," indicating His authority and priority over all created things. The term "firstborn" signifies not only temporal precedence but also supremacy in rank. Pre-eminence in the Church Christ's pre-eminence extends to His role as the head of the Church. As the head, He is the source of life and direction for the body of believers. Ephesians 1:22-23 states, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" . This passage underscores Christ's authority and His integral role in the life of the Church. His pre-eminence ensures that the Church remains aligned with God's purposes and reflects His glory. Pre-eminence in Redemption The pre-eminence of Christ is also evident in His work of redemption. Hebrews 1:3-4 declares, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs" . Christ's sacrificial death and victorious resurrection affirm His pre-eminent role in God's plan of salvation. By providing purification for sins, He accomplished what no other could, securing eternal redemption for those who believe. Pre-eminence in Eschatology In eschatological terms, Christ's pre-eminence is affirmed in His ultimate victory and reign. Philippians 2:9-11 proclaims, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" . This future acknowledgment of Christ's lordship by all creation highlights His supreme authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Conclusion The pre-eminence of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His unparalleled status and authority in all aspects of creation, the Church, redemption, and the ultimate consummation of history. Through His divine nature and redemptive work, Christ holds the highest place of honor and authority, deserving of worship and allegiance from all creation. Greek 5247. huperoche -- a projection, eminence ... preeminence, authority. Cognate: 5247 (from 5242, "hold ") -- prominence (because ); pre-eminent (superior). See 5242 (). 5247 () is ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5247.htm - 7k 4416. prototokos -- first-born 746. arche -- beginning, origin 937. basilikos -- royal 749. archiereus -- high priest Strong's Hebrew 3493. yattir -- preeminent, surpassing... 3492, 3493. yattir. 3494 . preeminent, surpassing. Transliteration: yattir Phonetic Spelling: (yat-teer') Short Definition: extraordinary. ... /hebrew/3493.htm - 6k 5329. natsach -- preeminent or enduring 3499a. yether -- remainder, excess, preeminence Library That the Pre-Eminent Cause of Every Object of Sensible Perception ... That the Pre-Eminent Cause of Every Object of Intelligible ... After That, Another Standing There, Pre-Eminent as it Were... That He who is the Pre-Eminent Cause of Everything Sensibly ... That He who is the Pre-Eminent Cause of Everything Intelligibly ... Gods, those which were Confessedly Elevated to the Divine ... On the Nature of God On Magistracy The Ministry and Prayer Dionysius the Areopagite Thesaurus Preeminent (2 Occurrences)... eminent; superior in excellence; surpassing, or taking precedence of, others; rarely, surpassing others in evil, or in bad qualities; as, preeminent in guilt. ... /p/preeminent.htm - 7k Pre-eminent (3 Occurrences) Messiah (9 Occurrences) Ethics Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Only (3813 Occurrences) Jattir (4 Occurrences) Love (703 Occurrences) Gift (148 Occurrences) Ezekiel (4 Occurrences) Resources What are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual manipulation? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible support the pre-existence of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pre-eminent (3 Occurrences)Colossians 1:18 Genesis 49:3 Song of Songs 5:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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