Who is the Bible's true and only begotten Son of God? This study examines the biblical meaning of "begotten," the Greek language, and key passages of Scripture to discover what the Bible really teaches about the identity of Jesus Christ.

Who Is the True and Only Begotten Son of God?

His name is Yeshua—known in English as Jesus Christ.

God sent His only begotten Son into the world to save the human race (John 3:16; 1 John 5:5; John 20:31; Matthew 1:21).

Yeshua was not a pre-existent angel or spirit being. He was the second and last perfect Adam, miraculously begotten by God in the womb of the virgin Mary and born as the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:23; John 16:28; Matthew 1:18–2:1; Isaiah 7:10–16; Micah 5:1–6; Luke 2:1–7).

He was no ordinary man, for He is the only begotten Son of the One True God (John 10:36; John 20:31; Matthew 3:17; Mark 9:7; Luke 3:22).

Yeshua is the only person through whom we can come to His God and Father. He declared, "I am the way" (John 14:6). He is the door to salvation (John 10:9), and "there is salvation in no one else" (Acts 4:12). Our faith in God comes through Him (John 14:1).

Yeshua is God's chosen Messiah, the one Mediator and Advocate between God and mankind (1 Timothy 2:5). He was sent by a loving, compassionate Father who desires to save His creation.

Jesus had to be a genuine human being. As a man, He could fully understand and sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). He also had to be the second and last Adam, succeeding where the first Adam failed (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Yeshua came into the world to reveal His God and Father—the One True God and only Creator. He taught us how to love God and one another, and by giving His life on the cross He paid the price for our sins, reversing the curse of death and opening the way to eternal life for all who believe, repent, and follow Him (John 3:16).

Yeshua is not the One True God.

A copy can be virtually identical to the original, yet it is never the original itself.

Likewise, Yeshua is the perfect human image of His Father. This helps us understand His words:

"He who has seen Me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)

Just as a perfect image is not the person it represents, Yeshua is not the same being as the One True God who begot Him.

Do You Know the True Yeshua?

Almost everyone has heard the name Jesus.

Yet sadly, many have never come to know the true Messiah revealed in Scripture. The Bible contains more prophecies concerning His coming than almost any other individual in history, revealing Him as the promised Savior and Prince of Peace.

If we believe His words and sincerely seek Him, we will find Him.

Yeshua, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, will return to establish God's Kingdom and restore creation according to God's purpose.

Look around the world. The signs remind us that time is moving quickly.

Jesus said:

"Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

Those who seek with humble hearts will discover the priceless treasure—the true Jesus Christ—who leads us to the One True God and the hope of everlasting life.

As Scripture declares:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation..." (Colossians 1:15)

And again:

"He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature..." (Hebrews 1:3)

WHO IS THE TRUE AND ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD?

Also Read: What is the (Word) and the (GLORY) as spoken about Jesus by John 1:14? https://wwwrealdiscoveriesorg-simon.blogspot.com/2020/07/what-is-word-and-glory-as-spoken-about.html

What did John mean when he wrote, "The Word became flesh"? This study examines the original Greek text, the Old Testament background, and the biblical context to explain the meaning of the Word, the glory, and the only begotten Son.

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Does Colossians 1:16 describe the Genesis creation, or is Paul referring to Christ's authority and the new creation established through His resurrection and exaltation? This study examines the Greek text and the wider biblical context.

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WHY Colossians 1:16 Is NOT About the Genesis Creation

A Biblical Examination of Paul's Words

By Simon Brown

Introduction

Colossians 1:16 is one of the most debated verses in the New Testament.

Many Christians believe Paul is teaching that Jesus personally created the Genesis creation—that He created the heavens, the earth, the planets, the stars, and every living thing.

But is this really what Paul meant?

Or is Paul speaking about something entirely different?

I believe the evidence points in another direction.

When Colossians 1:16 is read alongside the surrounding context and compared with the rest of Scripture, Paul is not describing the original creation of Genesis, but God's new creation and Christ's authority over all things following His resurrection.

Let us examine the evidence.

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Colossians 1:16

Berean Literal Bible

"Because in Him were created all things in the heavens and upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things have been created through Him and for Him."

Most Christians understand the phrase "all things" to refer to everything created in Genesis:

• the heavens

• the earth

• the stars

• the planets

• mankind

• animals

• every created thing

However, does Paul actually say this?

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God Alone Created the Genesis Creation

Before examining Colossians 1:16, we should first establish what the rest of Scripture repeatedly teaches.

The Bible consistently declares that Yahweh alone created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis opens with these words:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
—Genesis 1:1

King Hezekiah prayed:

"Yahweh, the God of Israel... You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth."
—2 Kings 19:15

Isaiah records Yahweh's own words:

"I am Yahweh, who makes all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by Myself."
—Isaiah 44:24

Notice the repeated emphasis.

• I

• alone

• by Myself

The language is singular throughout.

Yahweh repeatedly declares that He alone created the Genesis creation.

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Does Colossians Contradict Isaiah?

If Colossians 1:16 teaches that Jesus created the Genesis universe, or that God created the Genesis universe through Jesus, then we must ask an important question.

Would this not appear to conflict with the many passages where Yahweh repeatedly says He alone created the heavens and the earth?

Rather than assuming Paul is contradicting Isaiah, it is worth asking whether Paul is speaking about something different.

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God's Eternal Plan Through Christ

Scripture teaches that Christ was central to God's eternal purpose before the foundation of the world.

Peter writes:

"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for your sake."
—1 Peter 1:20

Notice carefully what Peter says.

He says Christ was foreknown.

He does not say Christ was already living alongside God before creation.

The Greek word προγινώσκω (proginōskō) simply means to know beforehand or to foreknow.

Acts 2:23 teaches the same truth.

Jesus was delivered according to:

"the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God."

God's plan centred on His Son long before Jesus was born.

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What Does Paul Actually Describe?

Now let us carefully examine Colossians 1:16.

Notice something interesting.

Paul never mentions:

• planets

• stars

• oceans

• mountains

• animals

• mankind

• light

• trees

• fish

• birds

In fact, Paul never lists anything described in Genesis chapter one.

Instead, Paul writes:

"Whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities."

This immediately shifts our attention away from material creation and toward positions of government, rule and authority.

---

Notice Paul's Language

Paul does not say:

"The heavens were created."

Instead he says:

"Things in the heavens."

Neither does Paul say:

"The earth was created."

Instead he says:

"Things upon the earth."

The heavens and the earth already exist in Paul's description.

His concern is not their original creation.

His concern is what exists within them.

---

Thrones, Dominions, Rulers and Authorities

Paul explains exactly what he means.

He speaks about:

• thrones

• dominions

• rulers

• authorities

These are positions of authority.

The Greek words themselves describe kingdoms, governments, rule, delegated authority and positions of power.

Paul is describing the ordering of authority under Christ.

---

Matthew 28 Explains Colossians 1

Following His resurrection Jesus declared:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."
—Matthew 28:18

Notice carefully.

Jesus does not say He always possessed this authority.

He says:

"has been given to Me."

This perfectly matches Paul's teaching.

God exalted Christ and placed all authority beneath Him.

---

Paul Explains Himself Again

Paul says exactly the same thing in Ephesians.

"To bring together all things in Christ—the things in heaven and the things on earth."
—Ephesians 1:10

Later Paul writes:

"God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand... far above every rule and authority and power and dominion."
—Ephesians 1:20–22

Notice the repeated language.

Rule.

Authority.

Power.

Dominion.

These are the very same expressions Paul uses in Colossians.

The context is Christ's exaltation—not Genesis creation.

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The New Creation

Throughout Paul's letters there is a consistent emphasis on God's new creation in Christ.

Jesus is:

• Head of the Church.

• Firstborn from the dead.

• Exalted above every authority.

• Lord of God's coming Kingdom.

Paul's focus is God's new order established through the risen Christ.

This harmonises perfectly with Colossians 1:13, where Paul has already been speaking about:

"The kingdom of His beloved Son."

The immediate context is God's Kingdom—not Genesis.

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The Biblical Harmony

When Colossians 1:16 is understood in this way, Scripture remains perfectly harmonious.

Genesis teaches:

Yahweh alone created the heavens and the earth.

Isaiah teaches:

Yahweh stretched out the heavens alone.

Jesus teaches:

All authority was given to Him after His resurrection.

Paul teaches:

God exalted Christ above every throne, ruler, dominion and authority.

These passages complement one another rather than contradict each other.

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Conclusion

In my understanding, Colossians 1:16 is not describing the original creation recorded in Genesis.

Rather, Paul is describing God's work through His risen Son—the One whom God has exalted above every throne, dominion, ruler and authority in heaven and on earth.

The emphasis is not on the creation of the physical universe, but on Christ's supreme position within God's redemptive plan and Kingdom.

Throughout Scripture, Yahweh consistently declares that He alone created the heavens and the earth (Isaiah 44:24; 2 Kings 19:15; Genesis 1:1).

Paul does not overturn that teaching.

Instead, he reveals how all authority, rule, and dominion now find their place in Christ, through Christ, and for Christ, according to God's eternal purpose.

In the next chapter, we will examine the Greek expressions "in Him," "through Him," and "for Him," and consider whether Paul is describing Christ as the Creator of Genesis or as the appointed Lord and mediator through whom God is accomplishing His new creation.

Does Colossians 1:15–17 describe Jesus creating the Genesis universe, or is Paul speaking about Christ's pre-eminence, inheritance, and authority in God's new creation? This study carefully examines the original Greek and the surrounding biblical context.

Chapter: Colossians 1:15 — The True Meaning and Misunderstanding

Quick Facts

Colossians 1:15 clearly distinguishes Jesus Christ from the One True God.

Paul describes Jesus as "the image of the invisible God," not as the invisible God Himself. Throughout Scripture, God the Father alone is repeatedly described as the invisible God whom no one has ever seen or can see. Christ perfectly reveals His Father because He is His Father's image, representation, and exact expression.

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Full Article

May I share my research on Colossians 1:15?

If you have not already made up your mind concerning this passage, I sincerely ask that you consider the following biblical evidence with an open mind and an open heart.

As always, I encourage you to examine the Scriptures for yourself. If my understanding is mistaken in any way, I would genuinely welcome correction from the Bible.

There are many different interpretations of Colossians 1:15–17 among Christians. Therefore, let us begin by carefully examining the first statement Paul makes.

Colossians 1:15

English Standard Version

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation."

Paul begins by declaring:

"He is the image of the invisible God."

This opening statement is remarkably straightforward.

The Greek word translated "image" is εἰκών (eikōn). It carries the meaning of an image, likeness, representation, or visible manifestation of another. An image reflects and reveals the one it represents.

Paul therefore identifies Jesus as the perfect image and visible representation of His God and Father.

Notice carefully what Paul does not say.

He does not write:

"He is the invisible God."

Instead, he deliberately distinguishes between:

• the invisible God, and

• the One who is His image.

This distinction is extremely important.

The Invisible God

The Bible consistently teaches that God the Father is invisible.

Jesus Himself said:

"God is Spirit." (John 4:24)

Paul likewise writes:

"...who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen nor can see." (1 Timothy 6:16)

Notice Paul's words carefully:

"No one has ever seen nor can see."

Earlier in the same letter he writes:

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17)

These passages agree perfectly with Colossians 1:15.

They identify the Father as:

• immortal,

• invisible,

• the only God,

• and the One whom no human being has ever seen or can see.

Jesus Himself also declared:

"How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" (John 5:44)

The Father, therefore, is repeatedly identified throughout Scripture as the only God and the invisible God.

Jesus Was Visible

Unlike His Father, Jesus was plainly visible.

Thousands of people saw Him.

They heard Him teach.

They watched Him perform miracles.

They touched Him.

They crucified Him.

Jesus was a real human being.

This perfectly agrees with Paul's statement that Christ is the image of the invisible God.

The invisible Father was revealed through His visible Son.

This same truth is expressed elsewhere.

Hebrews declares:

"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature." (Hebrews 1:3)

Likewise Paul writes:

"...the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Each passage teaches the same principle.

Jesus perfectly reveals His Father because He bears His Father's image.

Facts to Consider

Those who believe Jesus is the One True God should carefully consider what Paul actually says.

An image is not the same person as the one whose image it is.

Rather, an image represents another.

Scripture gives another example.

Genesis records:

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'" (Genesis 1:26)

Human beings were also created in God's image.

Yet no Christian would conclude that mankind is therefore God Himself.

Being made in God's image does not make us God.

Likewise, Christ being the image of God does not automatically identify Him as the same person as the invisible God whose image He bears.

Instead, Paul distinguishes between the two.

Conclusion

The opening words of Colossians 1:15 present a straightforward distinction.

Paul does not identify Jesus as the invisible God.

Instead, he identifies Jesus as the image of the invisible God.

Throughout Scripture, the Father alone is repeatedly described as:

• the invisible God,

• the only God,

• the One whom no one has seen or can see.

Jesus, however, is consistently presented as the Father's Son, perfectly revealing His Father's character, glory, and nature.

This harmonises with numerous passages, including Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, Luke 3:22, John 10:36, and John 17:3, where both the Father and Jesus distinguish between the One True God and His Son.

As Hebrews 1:3 explains, Jesus is "the exact imprint" of His Father's nature, while 2 Corinthians 4:4 describes Him as "the image of God."

Taken together, these passages show that Christ perfectly reveals the invisible God without being described by Paul as the invisible God Himself.

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The Firstborn of All Creation

Paul continues:

"the firstborn of all creation."

What did Paul mean by this expression?

The answer is found by allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.

Paul himself immediately explains:

"He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might have the pre-eminence." (Colossians 1:18)

Likewise he writes:

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Again:

"But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:23)

Romans also says:

"...that He might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29)

Paul's understanding is consistent with Acts:

"...that the Christ must suffer and that by being the first to rise from the dead He would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles." (Acts 26:23)

John likewise writes:

"...Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead..." (Revelation 1:5)

These passages consistently connect Christ's firstborn status with His resurrection and His pre-eminence among God's redeemed people.

Facts to Consider

Many believe that "the firstborn of all creation" means Jesus literally existed as the first person created before the universe.

However, it is worth considering several important biblical facts.

Nowhere does God the Father explicitly state that His Son was personally alive with Him before the creation of the world.

Instead, the Father repeatedly declares that He alone created all things.

For example:

"I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by Myself." (Isaiah 44:24)

Similar declarations appear throughout the Old Testament (see Psalm 72:18 and Psalm 86:10).

Likewise, nowhere does Jesus plainly state, "I lived with My Father before creation."

Instead, Scripture repeatedly teaches that Christ was foreknown before His earthly manifestation.

Peter writes:

"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in these last times for your sake." (1 Peter 1:20)

Notice Peter's wording carefully.

He does not say Christ was already living in heaven before the foundation of the world.

He says Christ was foreknown.

The Greek word προγινώσκω (proginōskō) means "to know beforehand."

This agrees with the many Old Testament prophecies in which God revealed beforehand His coming Messiah.

Christ stood at the very centre of God's eternal purpose long before His birth because God's entire plan of salvation was established with His Son as its fulfilment.

This naturally prepares us for Paul's explanation in the following verses concerning all things being created "through Him" and "for Him," which we will examine in the next chapter.

Please continue to Part 2:

The True Meaning and Misunderstanding of Colossians 1:16–17.

Part 2 Updated: WHY Colossians 1:16 Is NOT About the Genesis Creation

Does Colossians 1:16 really describe the Genesis creation? This study examines Paul's Greek wording, the immediate context, and related Old Testament passages to show why many scholars believe he was describing Christ's authority and God's new creation rather than Genesis.

Part 1 here:

Original article here: The TRUE Meaning and Misunderstanding Of Colossians 1:15.

WHY Colossians 1:16 is NOT about the Genesis Creation

You Tube video: 

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