13. He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son,
14. by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.
15. Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the firstborn 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. He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the firstborn 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.