13 God has freed us from the power of darkness, and he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
14 The Son paid for our sins, and in him we have forgiveness.
15 No one can see God, but Jesus Christ is exactly like him. He ranks higher than everything that has been made.
16 Through his power all things were made—things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, all powers, authorities, lords, and rulers. All things were made through Christ and for Christ.
17 He was there before anything was made, and all things continue because of him.
18 He is the head of the body, which is the church. Everything comes from him. He is the first one who was raised from the dead. So in all things Jesus has first place.
19 God was pleased for all of himself to live in Christ.