Why Should Christ Have The Pre-Eminence

Colossians 1:18

Why is it that all things are put under him? Why is it that he has no rival? Why is it that nothing and no one can be equal to him? Why does the Lord Jesus Christ possess this singular, high, and distinct honor? Here are five reasons for our Lord’s pre-eminence in all things.

1. Christ must have the pre-eminence in all things because God the Father said he must (Ps. 89:27). Why was Joseph made prime minister of Egypt? Because Pharaoh wanted it that way and so decreed it! Why was Mordecai led through the city with pomp and pageantry, while Haman led the horse? Because King Ashasuerus wanted it that way and so decreed it! Jesus Christ is pre-eminent because God Almighty wants it that way and has so decreed it!

2. Christ must have the pre-eminence in all things because he was born to it (Isa. 9:6-7; Lk. 1:32). As the firstborn Son, our Savior has the right of inheritance. As the only Son of the Father, he rightfully possesses all the Father’s property.

3. Christ must have the pre-eminence in all things because he paid for it. He who buys an estate is Lord of the estate. And Christ bought the right to rule over and dispose of this world as he will for the salvation of his people. “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" (Isa. 53:12). As a man the Son of God bought the right to possess, rule over, and dispose of this world for the salvation of God’s elect, whom he redeemed with his precious blood.

4. Christ must have the pre-eminence in all things because he alone is able to manage such pre-eminence. There are too many irons in the fire for anyone but him! It is written of him, in Isaiah 52:13, "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high." Only he who possesses both the goodness of perfection and the wisdom of omniscience is qualified to be the King of the universe, with absolute power

5. Christ must have the pre-eminence in all things because he alone deserves it. As we have observed, he earned the right to pre-eminence over God’s creation by his obedience to the Father as our Mediator and Surety (John 17:1-4). Certainly, he has earned the right to have the pre-eminence in the hearts of his people. We say with the psalmist, "What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?" (Ps. 116:12). It is truly but a small thing for sinners washed in his blood, saved by his grace, robed in his righteousness, and kept in his hands to extol him and give him the pre-eminence of their hearts and lives. Would to God that we could do so perfectly! Who else has loved us so freely? Who else has done so much for us? Who but Christ has given so much to us? Who else but Christ has been so constantly faithful to us?

Don Fortner