(Colossians 1:15)"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." (ESV)
This verse has been used by ancient Arians and modern day Jehovah's Witnesses to deny the deity of Christ. They suggest that the phrase "firstborn of all creation" means Jesus was a created being. But this verse needs to be looked at in context. An important verse for background in correctly understanding Colossians 1:15 is Psalm 89:27.
(Psalm 89:27)"And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth." (ESV)
The Psalm is speaking about David who was not the firstborn of his family. He was actually the youngest of his brothers. The term "firstborn" is figurative, actually meaning highest rank.
So in Colossians 1:15 "firstborn of all creation" actually means Jesus ranks above all creation. This fits the context of the Colossians 1:15-20 passage. The passage says all things were created by him, through him, and for him. He is said to be preeminent and in him all the fullness of God dwells.
Jesus is the Creator, he is not part of the creation. Jesus is co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father. Jesus is indeed, God.
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