Did God Create Jesus?
Today we will talk about did God create Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. This inquiry sparks curiosity about the nature of Christ and His relationship with the Father. Understanding this topic is vital because it shapes our knowledge of who Jesus is and His role in our lives. As we examine the Scriptures, let’s approach this with open hearts and minds, seeking the wisdom of God. Moreover, the way we understand Jesus directly affects our faith and how we relate to God. So let’s be in the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Understanding the Nature of Jesus: Was He Created?
To understand if God created Jesus, we must look closely at the Scriptures that reveal the nature of Jesus. The theological view of Jesus affirms that He is eternal, not a created being. John 1:1 clearly states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The term “Word” refers to Jesus, indicating that He existed with God since the very beginning. The Greek word used here for “was” (ἦν, ēn) implies an ongoing existence rather than a point in time where He began. Additionally, the Greek term for “Word,” which is “Logos,” signifies a deeper philosophical and theological reality of Christ as the ultimate expression of God.
In the Old Testament, there are glimpses of the Son that point us to His divine nature. Proverbs 30:4 asks, “Who has ascended to heaven and come down? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!” This shows that even in the Old Testament, there was an understanding of a Son, suggesting that Jesus was not a creation but part of the divine plan.
Moreover, Colossians 1:16-17 reads, “For in Him all things were created, 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.” This passage emphasizes that Jesus is not just a part of creation but is the very agent through which all things were made. It firmly establishes that He existed before anything was created, reinforcing that Jesus is indeed eternal.
Furthermore, Heb. 1:2-3 reinforces this by saying, “But in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” The term “exact representation” emphasizes the deity and unity of Jesus with God, showing us that He is not a mere creation but fully equal with God.
The historical viewpoint of many early church fathers, such as Athanasius, was that Jesus was begotten, not made. They emphasized that Jesus was co-eternal with the Father. This helps us understand the early Christian belief that Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity, consisting of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all equally divine and eternal in nature.
Furthermore, when Jesus spoke of His relationship with the Father, He often used the term “Father.” In John 10:30, Jesus says, “I and the Father are one,” which illustrates His unity and equality with God and highlights that He was not created but, rather, is eternally one with the Father.
It’s important to note that the idea of Jesus as a created being is associated with specific theological sects, such as Arianism, which was deemed a heresy by the early church because it contradicted the fundamental understanding of Christ’s divine nature established in the Nicene Creed. This creed underlines the belief in Jesus as “true God from true God,” fundamentally rejecting any notion of a created Christ.
To further confirm His divine nature, consider John 8:58, where Jesus states, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” This declaration affirms His eternal existence, gathering more evidence against the notion that He was created.
In summary, the identity of Jesus as the eternal Son of God aligns with biblical teachings and the early church’s historical and theological affirmations. Understanding that Jesus was not created helps us appreciate His divine and authoritative role in our salvation and daily lives, reaffirming the depth of His love and sacrifice for humanity.
The Implications of Jesus’ Nature for Our Faith
The acknowledgment that Jesus was not created but was always with God carries significant implications for our faith. If Jesus were merely a created being, it would challenge the essence of salvation. However, understanding Him as eternal God strengthens our belief in His redeeming power.
First off, if we see Jesus as God incarnate (John 1:14), we start to realize that His sacrifice on the cross carried the weight and authority of God Himself. Romans 5:8 reminds us that God demonstrates His own love for us in this: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The act of Jesus being fully God and fully man means that when He died, He could stand in our place as the perfect sacrifice, something a mere created being could never achieve. The writer of Hebrews (Heb. 9:26) explains that He sacrificed Himself once for all to take away the sins of many.
Additionally, recognizing Jesus as eternal God grants us hope in His promises. Revelation 1:8 reminds us that He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” This assessment emphasizes that His authority and power are everlasting, and therefore, the promises He made remain valid throughout all generations. This gives us confidence in our prayers and approaches to Him because He is never changing and always present.
It is also essential to understand that if Jesus was created, He would not possess the attributes necessary to be our mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5 clarifies, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” A created being could not bridge the gap between fallen humanity and a perfect God, but because of His divine nature, Jesus fulfills this role perfectly.
Furthermore, Jesus’ nature being both God and man is crucial for our understanding of the resurrection. Romans 6:9 states, “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.” If He were created, death would have dominion over Him, but as the eternal God, He overcame death—offering us hope and assurance for eternal life (John 3:16).
The understanding of Jesus’ essence also ties into how we worship Him. Colossians 3:17 encourages us, saying, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This verse implies that we direct our worship and gratitude to Him, acknowledging His eternal and divine nature, thus cultivating and enriching our relationship with Him.
Lastly, embracing Jesus as uncreated allows us to engage with the Holy Spirit and feel His presence in our lives. Ephesians 1:13-14 assures us that when we believe, we are marked with the Holy Spirit, who serves as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. This interworking of the Trinity leads us to experience God in our daily lives, allowing us to draw closer to Him (Ephesians 2:18).
In summary, understanding that God did not create Jesus, but that He is eternally intertwined with the Father, has enormous implications for our faith. It reinforces the power of His actions, the reliability of His promises, the depth of His sacrifice, and ultimately guides how we live our lives in alignment with His teachings.
Final Thoughts
Through our journey today, we discovered how Jesus was not a creation but has always existed with God as His eternal Son. This concept is foundational to our understanding of Christ’s divine nature and significance.
Recognizing His eternal existence highlights His role in salvation and our relationship with God. Furthermore, accepting that Jesus embodies both humanity and divinity strengthens our faith and enriches our spiritual life.
As we reflect on this, let’s hold onto this incredible truth that God’s love expressed through Jesus shapes our identity, purpose, and destiny in Him. May we continually grow in knowledge and relationship with Him.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4