by T. Austin-Sparks
First published as a book by Witness and Testimony Publishers in 1933. This version published by Emmanuel Church.
CHRIST IS THE "IMAGE OF GOD" AND THE LORD OF ALL CREATION
Christ is the visible representation of the invisible God, the Firstborn of all creation. For in Him was created the Universe of things in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, thrones, dominions, princedoms, powers - all were created, and exist, through and for Him. And HE IS before all things, and in and through Him the universe is one harmonious whole.
CHRIST IS THE DIVINE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
Moreover He is the Head of His Body, the Church. He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, in order that He Himself may in all things occupy the foremost place. For it was the Father's gracious will that the whole of the divine perfections should dwell in Him. And God purposed through Him to reconcile the universe to Himself, making peace through His blood, which was shed upon the Cross to reconcile to Himself through Him, I say, things on earth and things in Heaven. - Colossians 1:15-20. (Weymouth translation.)