228. Christ The Creator.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. - Colossians 1:16.

ANY theme which exalts the Savior is precious to the saints.

This is one in which the preacher cannot hope to do more than to show how vastly his theme is above him.

All things were created by God and for him, yet by Jesus and for him, because he is truly God and one with the Father.

I. CONSIDER THE STATEMENT ITSELF.

1. Heaven itself was created by and for Christ Jesus.

· There is such a place as well as such a state, and of that place Jesus is the center. Enoch and Elijah in their bodies are there, Jesus as man is there, and there all his people will be. God, as a pure Spirit, needed no such place, nor angels, for everywhere they would see God.

· It was created for Jesus and for the people whom he will bring there to be one forever with himself.

· It exists by Jesus and for Jesus.

Everything in heaven prepared by Jesus. He is the designer of it.

Everything in heaven reflects Jesus. He is the soul of it.

Everything in heaven praises Jesus. He is the King of it.

2. The angels. All their ranks were made by him and for him.

· To worship him and glorify him with their adoration.

· To rejoice with him and in him, as they do when sinners repent.

· To guard Christ's people in life and bring them to him in death.

· To carry out his purposes of judgment, as with Pharaoh, etc.

· To achieve his purposes of deliverance, as Peter from prison.

3. This world was made by him to be:

· A place for him to live and die upon.

· A stage for his people to live and act upon.

· A province to be fully restored to his dominion.

· A new world in the ages to come to bless other worlds, if such there be, and to display forever the glories of Jesus.

4. All the lower creatures are for Jesus. "And that are in earth."

· They are needful to man and so to our Lord's system of grace.

· They are illustrations of Christ's wisdom, power, and goodness.

· They are to be treated kindly for his sake.

5. Men were created by and for Christ.

· That he might display a special phase of power and skill, in creating spiritual beings embodied in material forms.

· That he might become himself one of them.

· That he might himself be the head of a remarkable order of beings who know both good and evil, are children of God, are bound to God by ties of gratitude, and are one with his Son.

· That for these he might die to save them, and to make them his companions, friends, and worshippers forever.

· That human thrones, even when occupied by wicked men, might be made to subserve his purpose by restraint or by overruling.

II. REVIEW THE REFLECTIONS HENCE ARISING.

1. Jesus, then, is God. "By him were all things created."

2. Jesus is the glue of the universe, its center and explanation. All things are to be seen in the light of the cross, and all things reflect light on the cross. For him all things exist.

3. To live to Jesus, then, is to find out the true object of our being and to be in accord with all creation.

4. Not living to Jesus, we can have no blessing.

5. We can only live for him as we live by him, for so all things do.

6. It is clear that he must triumph. All is going well. If we look at history from his throne, all things are "for him." "He must reign." Let us comfort one another with these words.

What an honor to be the smallest page in the retinue of such a prince!