As we saw last time, there is simply no scriptural argument against the divinity of Christ. The bible makes it clear that Jesus is unique in all the universe as being the one and only Son of God, and today we see even more of His exclusive power and position.
For by him all things were created, 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 1:16 ESV
Paul wrote that by him [Christ] all things were created. The word “by” can also be understood to mean “by means of” or “through”. In this way we see how God the Father ordained the creation of all things by means of or through His Son, Jesus. This matches perfectly with what we read in John 1:2-3, which states, “He [Christ] was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Working together, the Father and Son created all things in heaven and on earth.
I believe this aligns nicely with what Jesus said in John 8:58: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” As we’ve explored before, Jesus did not claim to be the Father, but He was claiming to be eternally present with the Father, and that’s why the Pharisees got so upset. In this chapter of Colossians, Paul repeatedly affirmed Christ’s claims of divinity and Sonship, and we see here that, through Jesus, the Father brought all things into existence. Once again, we see the extraordinary unity of the Father and Son, working in perfect harmony since before time began.
It is also worth noting that through Christ even the angels were created, dismissing any potential views that Jesus and Satan were somehow “spiritual brothers” being from the same Father, as at least one false religion asserts. Instead, Scripture teaches that Christ was involved in the creation of all things, and yes that would even include Satan. Passages in John, 1 Corinthians, and Ephesians tell us that Satan is considered one of the “thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” mentioned here, and by implication, was one Christ brought into existence.
God and Christ made them all – everything visible and invisible. Through the Father’s perfect plan and will, being executed by Christ, all things were created through him and for him.
When we read “for him” we get a glimpse into the love the Father has for the Son. We often think of God’s love for us, but consider God’s love for His one and only Son. Jesus said in John 17:24, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”
Eternally omniscient, God knew what it would take to redeem humanity long before He created it (cf: Eph 1:4). The Father bestowed all created things to His Son (cf: Matt 28:18, Ephesians 1:22-23) – a gift in a sense, but one that would require great obedience and sacrifice to obtain. Yet the Father knew Christ would carry out His will and plan perfectly through the love shared between them.
And this same heavenly love is extended to us through Christ, as we see in 1 John 4:9: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”
What a blessing! What an inheritance we get to share in! Let us never take for granted the majesty, power, and love that radiates down to us from God through Jesus Christ our Lord.