Colossians 1:15-20 Part One of Two RSV


Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation;

for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities--all things were created through him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together,

He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent.

For in him all the fulness 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.

Hebrews 1:1-4 In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets;

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things,

through whom also he created the world.

He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs.

Hebrews 7:20-28 And it was not without an oath.

Those who formerly became priests took their office without an oath, but this one was addressed with an oath, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'Thou art a priest for ever.'"

This makes Jesus the surety of a better covenant.

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;

but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues for ever.

Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.

Revelation 1:12-19 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,

and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden girdle round his breast; his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire,

his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters;

in his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth issued a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand upon me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last,

and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Now write what you see, what is and what is to take place hereafter.

Revelation 22:12-14 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.