Part 1 of 3

by Jim Nikkel

Exalting Christ is the secret to experiencing purpose and passion in our lives today. What do we mean by exalting Christ? Simply giving Him the place of preeminent power, praise, and authority in your heart which He deserves. The goal of God’s plan for you is “that in everything [Christ] might have the supremacy.” (Col 1:18 NIV) Let’s focus primarily from Colossians on three important areas to exalt Christ in your life today: in your faith, in your family, and in your field (of vocation).

By exalting Christ in your faith these are the attributes and the works of Christ that make Him worthy of preeminence in your life. Faith “is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (He 11:1 NIV)

Because of Who He Is

First, exalt Christ in your faith because of who He is. He was, is, and always will be fully and truly God, the second Person of the Trinity, eternally begotten of the Father. Paul writes that Christ “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Col. 1:15 NIV) This did not change when He wrapped Himself in humanity 2,000+ years ago. He became fully man while remaining fully God.

Thus He could become the perfect mediator between the offended party (God) and the offending party (you and me). Paul writes that “in [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Col 2:9 NIV) Therefore, “there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim 2:5 NIV)

Because of What He Does

Second, exalt Christ in your faith because of what He does. Paul begins by saying that “by Him all things were created” and that “in Him all things hold together.” (Col 1:16-17 NIV) The entire universe doesn’t fly apart because Christ holds it together. Cosmologists call it “dark matter,” but the Bible calls it the sustaining power of God. Thus Christ could command the wind and the waves (Matt 14:19 NIV), feed thousands with a few loaves and fish (Matt 14:19 NIV), and raise the dead to life (John 11:43-44 NIV).

If Jesus Christ holds all of creation together, can he hold your life together? Can He supply what you need when you need it? Perhaps learning to exalt Christ in your heart is the key to overcoming fear, discouragement, and pain that often threatens.

The supreme work Christ did for you was to suffer a horrible death on the cross to redeem you from the awful penalty of sin, and to rise physically from the grave in order to give you victory over sin, death, and hell. Paul writes that God has reconciled you to Himself “by making peace through [Christ’s] blood on the cross.” (Col 2:12 NIV) Your faith would be worthless apart from the cross and the empty tomb.

Because of Where He Is

Finally, exalt Christ in your faith because of where is He is now. In the Apostle’s Creed we confess that following His death and resurrection, Christ “ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.”

His position at the right hand of the Father denotes His ultimate power and authority over the universe – and over your life. This means that His death and resurrection have been fully accepted by God for the salvation of all who believe.

From His exalted position he intercedes for you so that you find grace and mercy (Heb 4:16 NIV), He builds His church to manifest His kingdom purposes (Col 1:11 NIV) and He pours out the Holy Spirit to empower you, equip you, and assure you of eternal life in Christ. (Col 1:11; 1 Cor 12:7; Eph 1:14)

Exalting Christ in your faith will transform your life from the inside out in every way that matters. It will cost you something – complete surrender. And it will be well with your soul, guaranteed.