What is an image according to the Bible?
An image is a visible manifestation of something. Colossians 1:15 calls Christ the image of the invisible God, meaning He is the visible manifestation of the invisible Godhead—Father, Son, and Spirit—who stepped out to become visible in human flesh.
Les explains that an image is a visible manifestation of something, and Colossians 1:15 identifies Christ as the image of the invisible God. He notes that the triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—was invisible, but God the Son stepped out of that invisible Godhead and became the visible manifestation of the whole. That is the Lord Jesus of Nazareth. Les emphasizes this must be taken by faith, since it cannot be proven by laboratory experiment, yet Scripture says it. He also points out that Paul, by inspiration, attributes creation to the Lord Jesus, showing He is the same God in Colossians as in Genesis. The only difference is that He has now taken on human flesh and human appearance. By Him all things were created, in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, including thrones, dominions, and principalities—even the realm of Satan and his power.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
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What does 'image' mean in Colossians 1:15?
Les explains that an image is a visible manifestation of something. In Colossians 1:15, Paul, by inspiration, speaks of the Son who redeemed us through His blood, and calls Him the image of the invisible God. Les says we take this by faith: the Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—were invisible, but God the Son stepped out of that invisible Godhead and became the visible manifestation of the whole. That is Christ, the Lord Jesus of Nazareth. Les connects this to verse 16, where Paul attributes creation to the Lord Jesus: all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities, even Satan’s realm, were created by Him. Thus He is the same God in Colossians as in Genesis, only now taking on human flesh and appearance.