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THE PREEMINENCE OF THE SON
While
Christian worship is surely trinitarian, it is also christocentric. One may
question how both may be true; yet, considering Christ’s complete work in
Christian life, an acknowledgement of the christocentricity of Christian
worship becomes apparent. Subconsciously, perhaps, many people consider God
solely as the Father without realizing the co-equal nature of the Son. Paul
argues for Christ’s preeminence in his letter to the Colossians. As worshippers
of the living God, the preeminence of Christ is vital to God-honoring worship.
Here is what Paul writes:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, 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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross (Col 1:15-20).
The preeminence of the Son here is clear and should be considered in such a manner that Christian worship teaches and reveals the preeminence of Christ. With that mentioned, there are four constraints that must guide how Christian worship is employed.
The
Son Is Eternal
Paul’s letter to the Colossians offers clarity on who Jesus is. Certainly, Jesus is God incarnate; yet, the humanity of Jesus must never overshadow the deity of Jesus, for he is God, i.e. the Son was present and involved in creation order, for he created everything himself. The Apostle Paul contends that all things were created by Jesus (Col 1:16). I was once asked if Jesus is eternal. After thinking for a short amount of time, I responded by saying that the Son is eternal but since Jesus did not enter reality until the incarnation, his human form did not exist prior. A manifold doctrine, the concept that Jesus is God and, therefore, created everything is difficult for many people to grasp. Nonetheless, Jesus, hence forth, is eternal because the Son is eternal; yet, the Son is co-eternal with the Father and Spirit, for he has always existed as God. Jesus then is preeminent because he is the Son and, thus, eternal.
The
Son Is Provident
Jesus’ preeminence is also evident in his providence. Paul argues that the Son holds all things together (Col 1:17). Such a statement stalwartly reiterates Paul’s argument that the Son existed before all creation (Col 1:16) and was not created, i.e. there was never a time, as Arius argued, when Jesus did not exist. Providence, however, should be considered differently than is commonly discussed. Christians tend to speak of God’s providence in terms of his provision and catering to human desires, as if God could not be provident if circumstances do not fit human expectations and comfort. For example, God is considered provident when he heals someone or provides financial needs; God, nevertheless, is provident irrespective of such actions. God is provident when someone dies, although loved ones prayed for healing; God is provident when bills are late, although prayers for financial provision were plentiful; and certainly, God is provident when human expectations are not met. It is, in fact, selfish and wrong to blame God when situations go awry, as if humanity deserves God to respond according to expectations because his chain was jerked. God is provident; it is who he is. Christians would be wise to remember the words of Paul in suggesting that all things are held together by Jesus Christ. Further, such truth should comfort God’s people, for no matter how dire the situation, Jesus controls everything. Believers may rest in such assurance and worship God boldly because of it.
All
Things Proceed from the Son
Because Jesus is God, created everything, and all things are held together by him, all things proceed from him. The question then is not whether Jesus created and controls all things but his purpose in doing so. In Christian theology, perhaps, the most basic and fundamental truth is that of God’s glory, i.e. everything exists and was created for God’s glory. Therefore, believers should find joy in the fact that anything which occurs in life occurs to glorify God. When trials are present, something is happening, i.e. difficulties are not meaningless but hold a purpose in the overarching purpose of God’s glory. Paul says that all things are through Jesus and for him. In fact, Paul argues elsewhere that all things are from God, to God, and through God (Rom 11:36). Everything then proceeds from the Son and by his allowance. Christ is first before all creation (Col 1:18) and, as God himself, created everything and allows all things to exist. All things then proceed from God the Son and center around his work. Christian worship is christocentric because everything centers around Jesus. In this manner then, the Son is preeminent and should be worshipped in a way that the centrality of Christ is exceedingly evident.
Christian
Worship Centers around the Son
Everything in Christian life centers
around the Son. Certainly, worship is trinitarian; yet, the Son is the center
even of gospel work, for the Son subsists as the mediator between God and
humankind and indeed between all gospel-oriented activity. Christ then is
preeminent. When God’s people gather to worship, all activity is employed to
the glory of the Father, through the Son, and in the power of the Spirit.
Worship then is trinitarian and yet christocentric. Paul directs the reader’s
attention to the centrality and preeminence of the Son in Colossians 1;
Christians worship, therefore, should be pointed to Christ’s accomplished work
and his continued providence. Without the preeminence of Christ, all human
endeavors are futile. It is, Christ, however, who makes it possible for
believers to worship God boldly and without hindrance. Paul presents the case
for the preeminence of Christ. Believers now may experience it in corporate
worship and in their own personal lives. Everything centers around the Son, for
he is preeminent.
