^11-12 May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to^[a] the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. ¹³ He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, ^14 (A)by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.

The Person and Work of Christ

^15 (B)Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things. ¹⁶ For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. ¹⁷ Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place. ^18 (C)He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things. ¹⁹ For it was by God's own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God. ^20 (D)Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood^[b] on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.