Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 8

At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Foreshadowed,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

This week, in our ongoing Kingdom Foreshadowed series, we will delve deeper into the Ten Commandments by focusing on the second and third commandments, exploring the themes of truth and commitment. To aid our discussion, we will reference Colossians 1:15-20, a passage that offers profound insights into the nature of Jesus. This scripture reveals that Jesus is the visible representation of the invisible God. As stated in verse 15, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” This understanding is crucial for comprehending Jesus’ role and our relationship with God.

Colossians 1:15–20 (NIV)
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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 everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

The second commandment, in Exodus 20:4-6, tells us not to make any carved images or likenesses of anything in heaven or on earth to represent God. This commandment is meant to prevent idolatry, reminding us that we shouldn’t try to depict God using our own imagination or artistic skills. Any attempt to do so is flawed and doesn’t capture God’s true nature. Colossians 1:15-20 reaffirms this by clarifying that Jesus is not just a representation, but the only true image of the invisible God, providing us with a solid foundation for our faith.

By recognizing Jesus as God’s visible representation, we avoid the temptation to create our own interpretations or images of God. Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection show us the fullness of God, giving us a complete and perfect revelation that is better than any human-made image. Therefore, to honor God as He reveals Himself through Jesus, we should accept and follow Christ’s example and teachings without changing them.

Trying to impose our personal ideas or desires on others or our understanding of God is a form of idolatry. It distorts the pure and perfect revelation God gave us in Jesus. When we try to shape God into an image that fits our preferences or limited understanding, we dishonor God and mislead ourselves and others. That’s why it’s crucial to resist the urge to make the invisible God visible through our efforts, understanding instead that God has already made Himself visible in Jesus.

Colossians 1:19-20 further highlights that in Jesus, “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,” and through Him, God reconciled everything to Himself. This reconciliation through Jesus shows the completeness and sufficiency of Christ as the visible image of God. We are called to worship and follow Jesus, embracing His teachings and example as the ultimate revelation of God’s character and will. By doing this, we keep our faith pure and our worship true, fully acknowledging and celebrating the divine mystery revealed in Christ.

We will discuss all this and more this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, so be sure to join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.