Topical Bible: Christ is God: As Supporter and Preserver of all Things

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Topical Encyclopedia

The doctrine of Christ as the Supporter and Preserver of all things is a profound aspect of Christian theology, emphasizing His divine nature and sovereign authority over creation. This belief is rooted in the understanding that Jesus Christ, as God, is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the universe.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides several passages that affirm Christ's role in sustaining and preserving all things. Colossians 1:16-17 states, "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." This passage highlights that Christ is both the agent of creation and the force that maintains the coherence and order of the universe.

Similarly, Hebrews 1:3 declares, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." Here, the author of Hebrews emphasizes that Christ's sustaining power is exercised through His divine word, underscoring His authority and active involvement in the ongoing existence of creation.

Theological Implications

The belief in Christ as the Supporter and Preserver of all things carries significant theological implications. It affirms His divinity, as only God possesses the power to sustain the universe. This understanding also reinforces the doctrine of the Trinity, as Christ's divine nature is integral to His role in the Godhead.

Furthermore, Christ's sustaining power assures believers of His constant presence and involvement in the world. It provides comfort and confidence that the universe is not left to chance but is under the sovereign control of a loving and purposeful God. This assurance is reflected in passages such as Matthew 28:18 , where Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."

Christ's Sustaining Work in Creation

The sustaining work of Christ is not limited to the physical universe but extends to the spiritual realm as well. In John 15:5 , Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the necessity of remaining in Him for spiritual vitality: "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This passage underscores the dependence of believers on Christ for spiritual life and growth.

Moreover, Christ's preservation of all things includes His work in the church. 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." As the head of the church, Christ ensures its endurance and flourishing, guiding and sustaining His people through the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The doctrine of Christ as the Supporter and Preserver of all things is a testament to His divine authority and active involvement in both the physical and spiritual realms. Through His sustaining power, believers find assurance of His constant presence and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes in creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 9:6
You, even you, are LORD alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and you preserve them all; and the host of heaven worships you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:17
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
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Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Spiritual Worship
... 3 . And as the true God, he is also the Supporter of all the things that he hath
made. ... II. In all these senses Jesus Christ is the true God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 77 spiritual worship.htm

Of Creation in General.
... it is the same beginner, former, and supporter of a ... Everything that is said of God,
as Father, regenerator ... everything that is said of Jesus Christ, as redeeming ...
/.../law/an appeal to all that doubt/of creation in general.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... Marius Mercator, a friend and supporter of Augustine, was one of ... die, nor by the
resurrection of Christ does the ... not subject to the righteousness of God [Rom.10 ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... is called the soul-keeper, the soul-preserver, (Proverbs 24 ... reason why we should,
that suffer for Christ, commit the keeping of our souls to God; because a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm