Jesus Christ: The First of God's Creations?
Jehovah's Witness theology says that Jesus is merely the first creation of God. This page examines their claims used to support this doctrine and scriptures that contradict this theology. |
Introduction
Is Jesus the first created being of God? Jehovah's Witness theology claims that Jesus Christ was God's first creation.1 The claim is supported by two Bible verses, Colossians 1:15 and Revelation 3:14. Let's first look at these verses to see what they really say.
Verses used to "support" Jesus as a created being
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (Colossians 1:15)
The Greek word translated "firstborn" is not a noun, but an adjective. If it really refers to being born, the verse is theologically incorrect. Adam was the firstborn man of creation (although he wasn't really born). Cain was actually the first to be actually born into the creation. Jesus was not born until thousands of year later. The word "firstborn" in this verse does not refer to a physical birth, but refers to Jesus' position to inherit the creation. In Jewish law, the firstborn inherited the lion's share of his father's estate. Jesus is to inherit the creation. It has nothing to do with being created. Verse 18 from this chapter of Colossians goes on to directly contradict Jesus being created describing Him as "the beginning."2 This same verse describes Jesus as being the "firstborn from the dead" and defines Jesus as having "first place in everything," demonstrating that "firstborn" refers to position and not creation.
The scriptures, and Jesus Himself, affirmed that He was heir to the creation:
- For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
- For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; (Colossians 2:9-10)
- in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. (Hebrews 1:2)
- YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET." For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. (Hebrews 2:8)
- More Examples...
Jesus Himself indicated that He was the heir of all creation through His parable of the vineyard (Matthew 21:33-44). Jesus represents the heir of the vineyard, who is killed by the workers. Jesus said that he would be the cornerstone which was rejected by the builders. Theologically, firstborn makes no sense except as the heir of creation.
The second verse given to support the idea that Jesus was created is below:
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: (Revelation 3:14)1
The problem with this verse is that "beginning" does not refer to Jesus' creation. The Greek word arche means "first in position" or "leader". Alternate meanings include "origin" or "cause" (See Thayer's definition, below). So, in this verse, Jesus is presenting His authority over creation as Creator. In essence, He is saying that you had better listen to what I say, because I am the boss.
Other verses from the Bible confirm that Jesus is the beginning of creation, since He created everything:
- All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (John 1:3)
- For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
So, the two verses cited by by Jehovah's Witnesses have nothing to do with the topic of Jesus' origin. The first is taken out of the context of the chapter, which clearly defines "firstborn" as first in position. The second assumes an incorrect meaning for the English translation of the original Greek text.
Verses confirming Jesus is uncreated
Other obvious verses from the Bible do speak of Jesus' lack of origin:
- For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2)
- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
The prophecy of Jesus Christ found in Isaiah indicates that Jesus is the Mighty God who is the Eternal Father (i.e., eternal indicates that He is not created). John 1:1 indicates that Jesus is God, who was present in the beginning (again, indicating that Jesus was not created). The third verse comes from Hebrews, which states that Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. Obviously, if Jesus were created, this verse could not be true.
Philippians tells us explicitly how Jesus is God who took on the form of a man:
...Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:5-7)
The idea that Jesus was created is vigorously contradicted by the Bible. It is not a minor theological concept. Jesus is God and is to be worshipped as such. Those who fail to worship Him will bow the knee (Philippians 2:10) before being sent off in eternal judgment. For more information on Jesus' claim to being God, see Jesus Christ Never Said He Was God?.
Conclusion 
Jehovah's Witnesses claim that Jesus Christ is the first of God's creations. However, the verses they use to support such theology say no such thing. In addition, verses from Isaiah, John, and Hebrews indicate that Jesus was always God and has remained the same from the beginning of time and throughout eternity.
Related Pages
- Jesus Christ Never Said He Was God?
- Should We Worship Jesus?
- Jesus Christ is God (YHVH)
- Who is the Creator of All Creation?
- Who Has All Power and Authority?
- Who is the "Fountain of Living Waters?"
- Who sent the Holy Spirit?
- Who Sent the Prophets?
- Who Resurrects the Dead?
- Who Resurrected Jesus?
- Who is Our Savior
- Who is Our Shepherd?
References 
- From What Do They Believe? - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site - provided for reference only. Website is NOT recommended as an example of orthodox Christian theology.
- He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:18)
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Jesus Christ is the heir of all things:
- "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. (Matthew 11:27)
- And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)
- "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." (Luke 10:22)
- "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. (John 3:35)
- "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, (John 5:22)
- Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, (John 13:3)
- "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. (John 16:15)
- and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. (John 17:10)
- For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. (Ephesians 5:5)
- Thayer's Greek Definitions
G746
arche- beginning, origin
- the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader
- that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause
- the extremity of a thing
- of the corners of a sail
- the first place, principality, rule, magistracy
- of angels and demons
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G756
Citing in TDNT: 1:479, 81
Last Modified November 3, 2004