Was Jesus created by God? Definition and Scope The question “Was Jesus created by God?” addresses whether Jesus, sometimes referred to as the “Son of God,” is a created being or eternally existing as God. In examining this topic, various scriptural passages and historical perspectives highlight Jesus’ unique nature. These sources, read together, underscore that Jesus is not created but rather the eternal, divine Word who became flesh. Scriptural Foundations One core passage is John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.” The text portrays Jesus (the “Word”) as eternally present with God and directly involved in the creation of all things. Colossians 1:15–17 similarly states, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created… He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” The phrase “firstborn” (Greek: prōtotokos) here denotes rank and inheritance rights rather than implying a beginning point in time. In the cultural context, “firstborn” connotes preeminence. Paul’s usage clarifies that everything that exists owes its origin to Christ, “for in Him all things were created.” If He were Himself created, He could not be the source of creation. Hebrews 1:2 also affirms that the Son is the appointed “heir of all things,” through whom God “made the universe.” Again, the passage portrays the Son as the active agent of creation. Jesus’ Self-Identification In John 8:58, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!” The construction “I am” corresponds to the divine name (seen in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM”) and displays an eternal, self-existent identity. This self-identification supports the view that Jesus did not come into being at some point in time but has always existed. John 10:30 records Jesus saying, “I and the Father are one.” The unity expressed is not merely agreement of purpose; it indicates an essential oneness, linking Christ directly with the divine nature. The Meaning of “Only Begotten” John 3:16 calls Jesus the “one and only Son” (often translated “only begotten Son”). The Greek term monogenēs can be understood as “unique,” “one-of-a-kind,” or “only one of its category.” It does not necessarily denote being “brought forth” as a created entity but rather underscores uniqueness of relationship to the Father. Early Christian writers recognized that monogenēs highlights Christ’s singular generation from the Father. This phrase thus emphasizes the Son’s unique relationship and eternal process of sonship, not a temporal beginning. Contributions from Early Manuscripts and Textual Evidence From existing early manuscripts such as the John Rylands Papyrus (P52) and the Bodmer Papyri, scholars see that passages attesting to Christ’s eternality and role in creation (e.g., John 1:1–3) were transmitted consistently. Multiple centuries of manuscript copies confirm a stable text. Archaeological findings and textual scraps from the earliest centuries reinforce that the community closest to Jesus already understood Him as eternal and divine. There is no credible sign within the manuscripts of the New Testament that Jesus was viewed as merely created. Christ’s Role in Creation Several early Christian apologists, such as those in the second century, defended the concept that Jesus—though distinct in person—shares the same divine essence with the Father. This position arises naturally from New Testament descriptions of Christ creating and sustaining the universe (Colossians 1:17). The logic follows that if Christ creates and holds all things together, He cannot be among the created; such an idea would undercut His essential role in holding creation itself in being. Philosophical and Theological Clarifications If Jesus were created, it would place Him within the realm of temporal, dependent existence. Yet the New Testament consistently portrays Him as co-equal with God and beyond temporal constraints. Philosophically, an eternal Creator cannot be part of creation in the same sense as creatures. This perspective is coherent with scriptural affirmations that Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) and is worshiped by His followers (Matthew 14:33), indicative of divinity rather than creatureliness. Objections and Responses • Some have pointed to the term “firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15) to argue for a created Jesus. Contextual analysis, however, shows this phrase designates preeminence. • Others cite statements that Jesus “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7). The emptying refers to taking on human form, not relinquishing His divine status or suggesting He began to exist at Incarnation. • Certain groups have held that the expression “Son of God” implies an origin, but biblical usage of “Son” is relational, underscoring shared nature and intimate relationship with the Father. Synthesis in Salvation History Because Scripture presents Jesus as the eternal Son who took on human nature, He can effectively serve as the mediator between God and humanity. He is not a mere prophet or teacher but the incarnate Creator. In salvation history, only the eternal, divine Christ can bear the weight of humanity’s redemption. As Peter proclaims in Acts 4:12, “Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Historical Christian Confession Historically, from the earliest creeds (often associated with Nicaea and Chalcedon) to modern statements of faith, believers have upheld that Jesus is “Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made,” affirming that the Son shares the same essence with the Father. These confessions reflect the consistent interpretation that “begotten” points to eternal relationship, not creation in time. Conclusion All the above testimony—Scripture’s direct statements, Jesus’ own claims, the role of Christ in creation, early manuscripts, and centuries of consistent Christian teaching—consistently indicates that Jesus was not created by God. He is the eternal Word, eternally divine, and the agent of creation. Because He stands outside created time, He can also stand uniquely as Savior, offering reconciliation with God. Thus, within the biblical witness, Jesus is uncreated, co-eternal, and co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, consistent with the claim that “the Word was God” (John 1:1). |
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