Would you rather Listen?
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, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Col 1:15–18).
Meeting the Creator of the Universe
Trying to imagine what it would be like to meet the creator of the universe is daunting. What would it feel like to encounter the person who spoke worlds into existence? What topics would arise in a conversation with such a being? While we may find it challenging to envision, those who lived during Jesus' time were fortunate enough to witness his miracles, experience his love and compassion, and walk alongside him for approximately three and a half years. To them, the answer to these questions would be transparent because they had met the father of creation in the person of Jesus. As the image of the invisible God, he was the physical manifestation of the divine, allowing those who encountered him to glimpse the nature and character of God in a previously unimaginable way.
Jesus is the Image of the Invisible God
The identity and nature of Jesus have been a foundational belief of the Christian faith since its inception. Despite the many controversies over the centuries regarding this topic, the New Testament writers repeatedly emphasize Christ's identity as the image of the invisible God. The passage in Colossians 1:15-18 is especially rich in revealing at least five aspects of who Jesus is. First and foremost, Paul declares that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and that all things were made by Him and for Him. This concept is reiterated throughout the New Testament by various authors who emphasize Christ's identity as the perfect representation of God. Through Jesus, we can glimpse the nature and character of God and see the exact representation of His being. Therefore, the identity of Jesus as the image of the invisible God remains a cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing us with a tangible way to understand and relate to God.
The New Testament writers repeatedly emphasize Christ's identity as the image of the invisible God. This concept is rooted in the belief that Jesus is not merely human but also God incarnate.
John's Gospel begins with the declaration that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). This "Word" is identified as Jesus, who is described as "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). In other words, Jesus is the visible representation of the invisible God. He is the perfect image of God, revealing God's character and nature to us.
The writer of Hebrews affirms this idea, stating that Jesus is "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the embodiment of God's glory. In Him, we see God's nature and character perfectly expressed.
Paul also emphasizes Christ's identity as the image of God, stating that "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15).
Understanding "Firstborn" in Colossians 1:15
As a Jehovah's Witness, this passage in Colossians was often used as a proof text to assert that Jesus had a beginning. However, according to the Greek text, this is not what it means. The phrase "firstborn over all creation" in Colossians 1:15 does not refer to Jesus having a beginning or being created, but to His pre-eminence and authority over all creation. The Greek word for "firstborn" (prototokos) was used in Jewish culture to denote the firstborn son's rights and privileges, including inheritance and authority.
One example from extra-biblical material that supports the idea that the Greek word "prototokos" refers to pre-eminence and authority rather than literal birth order is the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. In Psalm 89:27, the phrase "I also shall make him my firstborn (prototokos)" describes King David, who was not the firstborn son of his father, Jesse. "prototokos" in this context emphasizes David's exalted status and authority as God's chosen king, rather than his literal birth order. This example shows that "prototokos" can be figurative to denote pre-eminence and authority rather than literal birth order.
In Colossians 1:15, the term "firstborn" emphasizes Christ's supremacy and authority over all creation, not to suggest that He was created or had a beginning. Understanding the Greek context of this phrase helps to clarify the true nature of Christ and the significance of His role in the Christian faith. In addition to being the image of God, Christ is also identified as the Son of God. This title indicates that He is of the exact nature of God and is equal to God. As John writes, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).
Jesus as the Son of God: Of the Exact Nature of God
The New Testament writers emphasize Christ's identity as the image of the invisible God, affirming that He is not merely a human being but also God incarnate. As the perfect representation of God, Jesus reveals God's character and nature to us. In Him, we see the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being.
Can we truly understand the significance of Jesus as the image of the invisible God, and how does this impact our relationship with God?
Gratitude for Access to Jesus Christ's Life and Teachings
We should be grateful for the record of the New Testament writers, particularly the Gospels, because they allow us to witness a remarkable moment when the invisible God became flesh. Through these writings, we have access to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who reveals to us the character and nature of God. The Gospel accounts allow us to understand who God is, how He interacts with humanity, and what His ultimate plan is for us. Therefore, we should be encouraged to read more of the Gospels to deepen our understanding of Jesus as the invisible God’s image and cultivate a more intimate relationship with Him. By doing so, we can gain a greater appreciation for the incredible gift of salvation that God has provided through His son, Jesus Christ.
As we meditate on the truth that Jesus is the physical manifestation of the divine and the perfect representation of God, we should strive to deepen our understanding of His character and nature. This understanding should lead us to seek a more intimate relationship with God as we realize that through Jesus, we have a tangible way to understand and relate to Him. Therefore, let us make it our goal to know Jesus more deeply and reflect His image to those around us.
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