by T. Austin-Sparks

A Series of Conference Messages, as Spoken

In order to retain the emphasis of certain statements and words, italics have been substituted with CAPITALS for publishing on the Internet.

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 Crossto reconcile to Himself through Him, I say, things on earth and things in Heaven. - Colossians 1:15-20. (Weymouth translation.)