The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ played the central and essential role in the creation of the universe. Rather than being a mere spectator or a later addition to the story, Jesus was the active agent through whom God the Father brought all things into existence. Scripture reveals that Jesus is the eternal Word who existed before time began, holding all of creation together by his powerful command.
Jesus as the Active Agent of Creation
Many people view creation as the work of God the Father alone, but the New Testament provides a more complete picture of the Triune God in action. The Gospel of John begins by identifying Jesus as “the Word” and explicitly states that nothing exists without his direct involvement. This means every galaxy, planet, and living creature owes its origin to the Son of God. He did not simply watch the world begin; he spoke it into being.
“In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was the Word. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.” (John 1:1–3)
This passage establishes that Jesus is co-eternal with the Father. Because he is God, he possesses the inherent power to create life and matter. The relationship between the Father and the Son in creation is one of perfect harmony, where the Father designs and initiates while the Son executes and sustains the divine plan.
All Things Were Created for Him
The role of Jesus in creation extends beyond the initial act of making the world; he is also the ultimate purpose for everything that exists. The Apostle Paul explains in his letter to the Colossians that the entire universe was designed with Jesus as its focal point. This perspective shifts our understanding of the world from a random collection of matter to a masterpiece designed for the glory of the Son.
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:15–16)
When we realize that all things were created for Jesus, it changes how we view our own lives and the natural world. Human beings were not created to find ultimate satisfaction in the world itself, but in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the heir of all things, and the physical realm serves as a stage where his glory and character are put on display for all to see.
The Sustainer of the Universe
Jesus did not simply “wind up” the universe like a clock and walk away. His role in creation is ongoing, as he is the one who actively maintains the laws of physics and the breath of life. Without his constant involvement, the universe would dissolve into chaos. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as the one who holds everything together, emphasizing his continuous authority over the cosmos.
“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)
This sustaining power provides a profound sense of security for the believer. If Jesus has the power to keep the stars in their courses and govern the fundamental forces of nature, he certainly has the power to manage the details of our individual lives. His role as Creator and Sustainer proves that he is sovereign over both the macro-level of the universe and the micro-level of our personal struggles.
Addressing Misconceptions About the Creator
A common misconception is that Jesus is a “created being” who eventually became a god or was the first thing God made. However, the biblical record is clear that Jesus is the uncreated Creator. If “nothing was created except through him,” then he could not have been created himself. He exists outside of time and space, possessing the same divine nature as the Father.
Another misunderstanding is the idea that the “God of the Old Testament” is different from Jesus. In reality, the “Lord” (Yahweh) who laid the foundations of the earth in the Old Testament is the same person we know as Jesus in the New Testament. When we read Genesis, we should see the pre-incarnate Christ active in the darkness, bringing forth light and life by the power of his word.
The Takeaway
Understanding the role of Jesus in creation is vital for a healthy Christian worldview. Jesus Christ is the Word through whom all things were made, the purpose for which all things exist, and the power by which all things are sustained. He is not merely a historical figure who lived 2,000 years ago; he is the eternal Creator who remains intimately involved in the world today. Recognizing Jesus as Creator leads us to worship him with the reverence and wonder he deserves.
