Topical Encyclopedia The term "preeminent" refers to surpassing all others in authority, rank, or importance. In the context of the Bible, it is often used to describe the supreme status of Jesus Christ in relation to creation, the Church, and all things spiritual and temporal.Biblical References: 1. Colossians 1:18 : "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 preeminence." This verse highlights the preeminence of Christ as the head of the Church and the first to rise from the dead, affirming His authority and supremacy over all creation. 2. Colossians 1:15-17 : "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." These verses emphasize Christ's preeminent role in creation, underscoring His divine nature and authority over all powers and principalities. 3. Philippians 2:9-11 : "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 passage speaks to the exaltation of Christ, affirming His preeminence as Lord over all creation, deserving of worship and reverence. Theological Significance: The preeminence of Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming His divine nature and His role as the ultimate authority in both the spiritual and physical realms. This concept is foundational to understanding the relationship between Christ and the Church, as well as His role in the redemption and reconciliation of humanity to God. Christ's Preeminence in the Church: As the head of the Church, Christ's preeminence is not only a matter of authority but also of function and purpose. He is the source of life and growth for the Church, guiding and sustaining it through His Spirit. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect His preeminence in its mission and ministry, submitting to His leadership and following His example. Preeminence in Creation: Christ's preeminence extends to all of creation, as He is the agent through whom all things were made. This underscores the belief in His eternal existence and His active role in sustaining the universe. The acknowledgment of Christ's preeminence in creation calls believers to worship Him as the Creator and to steward the earth in a manner that honors His authority. Implications for Believers: For believers, recognizing the preeminence of Christ means acknowledging His lordship in every aspect of life. It calls for a life of obedience, worship, and service, aligning one's priorities with His will and purpose. The preeminence of Christ assures believers of His ultimate victory over sin and death, providing hope and confidence in the promise of eternal life. In summary, the concept of preeminence as applied to Jesus Christ is a profound declaration of His divine authority and central role in God's redemptive plan. It is a call to recognize and honor Him as the supreme ruler over all creation and the head of the Church. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Eminent above others; prominent among those who are eminent; superior in excellence; surpassing, or taking precedence of, others; rarely, surpassing others in evil, or in bad qualities; as, preeminent in guilt.Greek 746. arche -- beginning, origin ... properly, from the ( sense), ie " (starting) point"; (figuratively) what comes and therefore is (foremost), ie has the because ahead of the rest ("preeminent ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/746.htm - 7k 937. basilikos -- royal 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 The Ministry and Prayer Prayer and Obedience (Continued) History of Public Speaking Second Sunday after Easter On the Nature of God Spurgeon -- Songs in the Night Potter -- Memorial Discourse on Phillips Brooks Praying Men at a Premium The Gospel of John The Preacher's Cry --Pray for Us! 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 Messiah (9 Occurrences) Ethics Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Only (3813 Occurrences) Love (703 Occurrences) Gift (148 Occurrences) Excellent (52 Occurrences) Pre-eminent (3 Occurrences) Prince (160 Occurrences) Resources Why do most Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is great? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is sovereign? | GotQuestions.org Preeminent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Preeminent (2 Occurrences)Genesis 49:3 Esther 10:3 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |