Today we will talk about “was Jesus created.” This topic can be quite confusing for many people. Some might wonder if Jesus, who is known as the Son of God, was made or brought into existence at some point in time. It’s vital to understand how Scripture addresses this question. This journey through the Bible will help us comprehend the nature of Jesus, His divinity, and how He exists in relation to God the Father. As we explore various Bible verses and understand their meanings, let’s keep our hearts open for wisdom and insight.
Was Jesus Created
The Nature of Jesus
To get started, it’s essential to grasp what the Bible reveals about the nature of Jesus. In Christian belief, Jesus is often referred to as the Son of God, and He plays a central role in God’s plan for humanity. In understanding whether Jesus was created, we need to clarify what we mean by “created.” The Greek word for created is “ktizo,” which signifies bringing something into existence. However, when it comes to Jesus, the scriptures suggest that He is much more than a created being.
In John 1:1-3, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made.” These verses indicate that Jesus—referred to here as “the Word”—existed before creation and was actively involved in it. Here, the relationship between Jesus and God is different from that of a created being and its creator.
The Hebrew word “Elohim,” used for God in the Old Testament, signifies a plurality in the Godhead. This points to a concept of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing together in unity. The historical perspective of well-respected theologians, like Augustine and Athanasius, emphasized that Jesus is eternally begotten, not created. This means that He is generated from the Father but, unlike creatures, has no beginning or end.
Theological Perspectives on Creation
Throughout Church history, discussions surrounding Jesus’ relationship with creation have garnered significant attention. The Arian controversy in the early Church grappled with the concept of Jesus being a created being. Arius proposed that Jesus was the first creature made by God, while the Orthodox standpoint, supported by the Nicene Creed formulated at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, affirmed that Jesus is “true God from true God” and “begotten, not made.” This distinction is crucial since if Jesus were created, it implies a lesser status than that of the Father.
Colossians 1:15-17 states, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible.” “Firstborn” in this context does not mean Jesus was created first; rather, it conveys His preeminence over all creation. As Paul clarifies, everything in existence is derived from Him. Philippians 2:6 also hints at His equality with God: “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.”
Jesus and the Scriptures
When we look at the New Testament, we find numerous affirmations that support the deity of Jesus. Hebrews 1:2-3 states, “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.” These passages emphasize that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a spiritual leader but embodies the essence of God. Revelation 22:13 refers to Him as “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End,” reinforcing the idea of Jesus existing outside the constraints of time and creation.
The Gospel of John particularly emphasizes the divine nature of Christ. John 8:58 records Jesus saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” which connects Him to the eternal name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. The pre-existence of Jesus signifies He was with God long before creation, bolstering the argument against the notion of Him being created.
The writings of early church fathers provide insight into the understanding of Jesus’s nature. For instance, Origen asserted that Jesus is the “eternal Word” and not created but always existed alongside the Father. Athanasius famously declared, “God became man so that man might become god,” to highlight the unique relationship between Jesus and God, emphasizing the uncreated essence of Christ.
Furthermore, the Athanasian Creed, which solidified Trinitarian doctrine, asserts that the Father is not made, nor created, nor begotten; the Son is not made, nor created, but begotten of the Father; and the Holy Spirit is not made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding from the Father and the Son. These early affirmations shaped the belief that Jesus was not a created being, but divine in nature.
Practical Implications of Jesus Being Uncreated
The implications of understanding that Jesus is uncreated are substantial for our faith. It affects how we perceive salvation, the nature of God, and our relationship with Christ. Since Jesus is the Creator, we recognize that He has the power to offer redemption, as seen in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” If Jesus were merely a created being, His sacrifice for humanity would hold a very different significance and weight.
Moreover, recognizing Jesus as uncreated fosters a sense of reverence and awe. It shifts our understanding from viewing Jesus as just another historical figure to acknowledging Him as the divine Lord who took on human flesh for our sake. This understanding shapes our worship, our prayer life, and our study of Scripture, pushing us to recognize the glory and majesty of God incarnate.
In conclusion, understanding whether Jesus was created requires careful examination of Scripture and the historical teachings of the Church. As we encourage one another in the faith, let us remember that Jesus exists as the uncreated Word of God, sustaining all things by His power. This truth offers us eternal hope and assures us of our position in the family of God, whereby we can claim the life and light that comes through knowing Him. We can walk in faith, knowing that the one who calls us is not just a created entity but the Creator Himself.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our discussion on whether Jesus was created, we can see that this question centers on His divine nature. The Scriptures affirm that Jesus is the uncreated Son of God, always existing with the Father. This understanding is vital for our faith, as it influences how we relate to Him and grasp the significance of His sacrificial love.
Throughout history, the Church has sought to clarify the nature of Christ, emphasizing His role not as one who was created but as the eternal Word who was present at all times. This foundational truth gives us confidence in the faith we profess and the hope we share.
Let’s continue to explore the richness of God’s Word and remind ourselves of who Jesus is—our Savior, our Lord, and our Creator. We are blessed to know Him and walk in relationship with such a remarkable being who offers us grace and peace.
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