“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
Colossians 1:15-18
Our Declaration of Principle follows the Bible in pointing us to the highest authority there is in the Cosmos: the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God, come among us, as a human person. Jesus Christ saves us from destruction and brings us back to what God planned and now purposes for us. In this, our Union stands in the mainstream of historic Christianity, reaching back over 2,000 years. Our foundation is the life, ministry, death, resurrection and present rule of Jesus Christ, who reigns over heaven and earth. Jesus Christ, who calls us into personal relationship with Himself.
We recognise that God’s absolute authority resides in Jesus Christ, the Word of God, who became human like us (John 1.14); a living person in whom we discover the way, truth and the life that God has for us (John 14.6). God wants us to grasp this authority: what it brings to us and enables us for (Matthew 18.18-20). God’s intent is for us to grow in recognising Jesus Christ’s presence with us, through active participation in His mission and ministry (Matthew 28.18-20).
Lord Jesus Christ, there is none like you. You are above, over all and more powerful than all. Yet you came to reach out and minister, humbling yourself to bring healing and deliverance to others. Today, I submit myself afresh to your authority. I want to be established in your authority through knowing you and obeying you, now and in the days that are ahead. To the glory of God and for the blessing of others. Amen.
