The Pre-eminence and Supreme Authority of Christ

Pre-eminence speaks of the unrivalled supremacy of Jesus Christ over all creation, authority, and power. As the eternal Son of God, He holds first place in every realm—visible and invisible, present and future, heavenly and earthly. No angel, demon, ruler, or created thing can claim equality with Him. This article explores the biblical foundation for Christ's superiority and its transforming implications for those who follow Him, calling us to reorder our lives around His rightful place at the centre.

The Eternal Existence of God

"In the beginning was God" (Gen 1:1; Jn 1:1-3). He always has existed, and was not created like everything else in the universe. By His surpassing power He created all things (Eph 3:9; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2, 11:3). He is above everything, and because He knows everything (omniscience), is all powerful (omnipotent), and present everywhere (omnipresent) is able to do more than we ask or imagine (Jn 3:31; Eph 3:20).

Unlike the false gods of human invention, the living God depends on nothing and no one. He sustains all things by His powerful word (Heb 1:3). Every star, galaxy, and living creature owes its continued existence to His will. This eternal, self-existent nature sets Him infinitely apart from every created being and establishes the foundation for Christ's unique pre-eminence as the visible image of the invisible God.

The Exaltation of Christ

He rightly declared, "I am God and there is no other, there is no one like me…I am Lord" and so we are to worship Him only, the one Supreme Being over all of creation, with salvation found in Him alone (Ex 20:3-4; Ps 97:9, 103:19; Isa 46:9; Act 4:12). Because Jesus died to purchase our salvation for us God has exalted Him to the highest place, and this will result in the earth being filled with the knowledge of the Lord's glory (Hab 2:14; Phil 2:6-11). In everything His power and superiority is far above all (Eph 1:19-21; Col 1:18).

Do I acknowledge the superiority of Christ over all?

The apostle Paul declares that Christ is the firstborn over all creation, for by Him all things were created—things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities (Col 1:15-16). These titles of dominion, which represent every level of spiritual and earthly power, are explicitly subjected to His authority. Even death, humanity's final enemy, has been defeated through His resurrection, proving that no power remains beyond His reach (1 Cor 15:26-27).

The Response of Humility

John the Baptist said Jesus was more powerful than he was, consequently, "He [Jesus] must increase, and I decrease" (Mt 3:11). As 'children of God' we should adopt the same attitude, making Him Lord by giving Him the place in our lives far above all else.

This reordering of priorities touches every dimension of our existence. Our ambitions, relationships, possessions, and plans must all bow before His lordship. The early church understood this radical call, counting no sacrifice too great and no suffering too heavy when measured against the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Phil 3:8). When we truly grasp His pre-eminence, competition with others fades, pride crumbles, and we find our proper place as servants of the King who reigns forever.

Reflection and Application:

Consider how acknowledging Christ's supremacy changes your daily priorities and decisions.
Reflect on areas of your life where self still claims pre-eminence rather than Christ.
Practise humility by intentionally decreasing so that Christ may increase in your influence.
Worship God alone, recognising no rival to His sovereign authority and power.