Topical Bible: Man: Created by Christ

◄ Man: Created by Christ ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The creation of man is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, affirming the unique and intentional act of God in bringing humanity into existence. According to the Scriptures, man was created by Christ, the preeminent agent of creation, who is both the eternal Word and the divine Logos. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding man as a creation of Christ, drawing from key passages and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides explicit testimony to the role of Christ in creation. In the Gospel of John, it is declared, "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" (John 1:1-3). This passage identifies Christ, the Word, as the divine agent through whom all creation, including humanity, came into being.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this truth in his epistle to the Colossians: "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:15-16). Here, Paul emphasizes that Christ is not only the means by which all things were created but also the purpose for which they exist.

Theological Implications

The creation of man by Christ underscores the inherent dignity and value of human life. As beings created through and for Christ, humans possess a unique status in the created order. This understanding affirms the sanctity of human life and the divine intention behind humanity's existence. It also highlights the relational aspect of creation, as man is made to live in communion with Christ, the Creator.

Furthermore, the creation of man by Christ establishes the foundation for the redemptive work of Christ. As the Creator, Christ possesses the authority and power to redeem and restore His creation. The incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ are seen as the ultimate acts of love and redemption, bringing fallen humanity back into right relationship with God.

Christ as the Sustainer

In addition to being the Creator, Christ is also the Sustainer of all creation. The writer of Hebrews affirms this by stating, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3). This ongoing sustenance of creation by Christ ensures the continued existence and order of the universe, including humanity.

Man's Purpose and Destiny

The creation of man by Christ also speaks to the purpose and destiny of humanity. As beings created for Christ, humans are called to live in a manner that reflects His character and glory. This involves a life of worship, obedience, and service, aligning with the divine will and purpose. The ultimate destiny of man is to be united with Christ, sharing in His eternal glory and reign.

In summary, the biblical testimony affirms that man is a creation of Christ, the divine Word through whom all things were made. This truth carries profound implications for understanding the nature, purpose, and destiny of humanity within the broader context of God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 1:3
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Image of God in Man.
... manuals now used by our rising ministers feed this error; hence the widespread
prevalence of the idea that the image in which man was created was the Christ. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ix the image of god.htm

The Word was in the Beginning, IE , in Wisdom, which Contained all ...
... And on the one side the Word is no other than the Christ, the Word ... the woman had
not been deceived, and Adam had not fallen, and man created for incorruption ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the word was in.htm

On the Sanctification of Man
... new man, who, after God, is created in righteousness ... the object of sanctification
is man, a sinner, and ... believer, because he is united to Christ through faith ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlix on the sanctification.htm

Of the Creation 0F Man
... that the news of Jesus Christ, a Mediator and Redeemer of fallen man, may be ... renew
it better than of old, and for this end he hath created Christ according to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xix of the creation.htm

Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ...
... he is the image of the Creator (for He, when looking on Christ His Word ... of the angels?"
[5532] If it is because "she was created for the man," [5533] and ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter viii man the image of.htm

The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ...
... But he assigns both to One. Man is the workmanship of the Creator. He therefore
who made man (at first), created him also in Christ. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvii the epistle to the.htm

Showing How we Shall Consider the Coming of Christ in Three Ways
... But the reason why Christ, according to His Godhead and ... love which is without measure;
the created love, called ... of His Father; the great need of man; and the ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter ii showing how we.htm

Christ Alone is Able to Teach Divine Things, and to Redeem Us: He ...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter I."Christ alone is able to ... 4457] His hands formed
a living man, in order that Adam might be created [again] after the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter i christ alone is able.htm

Psalm CXI.
... "Not," saith he, "of works, lest any man boast. For we are His workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus unto good works." [4993] For a man worketh not ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxi.htm

Showing How Christ Has Given Himself to all in Common in the ...
... love, transcend ourselves, and also the created being of ... This Christ always desires
to give us in ghostly wise ... Though a man may not always have such feelings ...
/.../the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xlvii showing how christ.htm