JEFF TURNER

You may have had someone come to your door dressed neatly and ready to debate. They may argue that Jesus is not God. Often, they turn to a verse in Colossians 1 to support their claim. In that passage, Paul writes that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” Some say this wording proves that Jesus is a created being and not the Creator.

It is true that single verses can be taken out of their setting and misunderstood. When a line of Scripture is separated from its full meaning, confusion can follow. That is why it is important to look closely at the words Paul used.

When Paul calls Jesus the image of the invisible God, he is saying far more than that Jesus reflects God in a small way. The term means an exact likeness. It carries the idea of a perfect copy or full expression. Since God is unseen, Jesus makes Him known. This description points to deity, not to a created being. God is not created, and if Jesus is the exact representation of God, then this speaks of His divine nature.

The phrase “firstborn of all creation” also needs careful thought. The Greek word translated “firstborn” is prototokos. In this context, it does not refer to being born first in time. The word does not focus on order of birth. Instead, it speaks of rank and status. It refers to the one who holds the highest place, the chief or premier one.

So when Paul uses this term, he is not saying that Jesus was the first thing God made. Rather, he is declaring that Jesus holds authority over all creation. He stands above it in position and honour.

At the same time, Jesus did enter the created world. He was born in human form. In that sense, He became part of creation through His incarnation. Yet this does not cancel His divine identity. The passage presents both truths together. He is the full and exact expression of God, and He also took on human flesh.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1