The phrase “through him all things were made” in the Nicene Creed professes the creative role of Jesus Christ in the universe. It declares that Jesus, the Son of God, is not merely a creature but the divine agent through whom all things came into existence. This emphasizes his pre-existence and active participation in the act of creation, highlighting his divine power and authority.
Theological Background:
- Early Church Understanding: The early Church recognized Jesus as the “Word of God” (Logos) present at creation. This concept drew from Jewish wisdom literature and philosophical ideas of the time, where the Logos represented God’s wisdom and creative power.
- Challenges to Christ’s Divinity: As with the debate around Christ’s consubstantiality with the Father, some early thinkers questioned the full divinity of Christ, suggesting he was a created being and therefore not involved in the initial act of creation.
- Council of Nicea (325 AD): The Nicene Creed, formulated to combat Arianism, affirmed Christ’s role as creator. By stating “through him all things were made,” the council fathers emphasized that Jesus is not a creature but the eternal Son of God, actively involved in bringing the universe into being.
Scriptural References:
- John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” This passage clearly identifies Jesus as the “Word” through whom all creation came into existence.
- Colossians 1:15-17: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This passage emphasizes Christ’s pre-existence and his active role in creating and sustaining all things.
- Hebrews 1:2: “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” This verse reinforces the idea that God created the world through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Significance:
The affirmation that “through him all things were made” has profound implications for Christian theology:
- Christ’s Divinity: It reinforces the belief in Christ’s full divinity by highlighting his active role in creation, a power that belongs only to God.
- Relationship with Creation: It reveals that the universe is not the product of an impersonal force but the loving act of a personal God who created all things through his Son. This fosters a sense of awe and wonder towards creation and encourages responsible stewardship of the natural world.
- Redemption and New Creation: It connects creation and redemption, showing that the same Jesus who created the world also redeems it. This offers hope for the renewal and restoration of all creation through Christ.
In conclusion, the phrase “through him all things were made” is a powerful statement of faith that proclaims the central role of Jesus Christ in the universe. It invites us to marvel at the creative power of God and to find hope in the One who holds all things together.
Reflection
TheThe Nicene Creed’s proclamation that “through him all things were made” isn’t just a cosmic fact, but a deeply personal invitation to intimacy with the Trinity. It reveals a God who, through the Son, lovingly crafted every intricate detail of the universe, from the vast expanse of stars to the delicate intricacies of a flower.
Imagine: the very hands that formed the mountains and sculpted the oceans also tenderly held the little children brought to Jesus. This is the divine artist, the Word made flesh, through whom all beauty and life emerged.
This understanding can revolutionize our relationship with the Trinity:
- With the Father: We can marvel at the Father’s boundless creativity and power, expressed through the Son. Every sunrise, every raindrop, every heartbeat becomes a testament to His love and artistry. We can find joy in the beauty of creation, knowing it flows from the heart of our Father.
- With the Son: We can encounter Jesus not just as our Savior, but as the architect of creation. As we walk through a forest, gaze at the stars, or simply breathe in the fresh air, we can sense His presence woven into the fabric of the world. We can feel a deeper connection to Him, knowing He crafted the very ground on which we stand.
- With the Holy Spirit: We can be filled with awe at the Spirit’s life-giving breath that sustains all creation. The Spirit, who hovered over the waters at the dawn of creation, continues to nurture and renew the world. We can experience the Spirit’s presence in the gentle breeze, the flowing river, the vibrant colors of nature.
As we ponder the creative power of Christ, we can:
- Cultivate Gratitude: Every breath, every sunrise, every encounter with nature becomes an opportunity to express gratitude to the Trinity for the gift of creation.
- Practice Reverence: We can develop a deeper respect for the environment and all living things, recognizing them as the handiwork of the Son, reflecting the Father’s glory.
- Find Hope and Renewal: Even in the face of brokenness and suffering, we can find hope in the One who created all things and who promises to make all things new.
The affirmation that “through him all things were made” is an invitation to experience the Trinity in a new and profound way. It calls us to see the world through the eyes of faith, recognizing the divine presence woven into the very fabric of creation. It invites us to join the cosmic dance of love, celebrating the beauty, wonder, and interconnectedness of all things in Christ.
Discussion Questions For Prayer and Reflection
Personal Reflection:
- Awe and Wonder: Reflect on a specific aspect of creation that evokes awe and wonder in you. How does recognizing Christ’s role as creator enhance your appreciation for this element of the natural world?
- Personal Connection: How does knowing that Jesus, the Son of God, created all things affect your personal relationship with Him? Does it make Him feel closer, more intimate, or more powerful?
- Creative Expression: How can you express your own creativity in a way that honors God the Creator and reflects the beauty of the world He has made?
Understanding the Trinity:
- The Father’s Plan: How does the creation of the world through the Son reveal the Father’s plan and purpose for the universe? How does it demonstrate His love and wisdom?
- The Son’s Divinity: How does the statement “through him all things were made” deepen your understanding of Christ’s divinity? What does it teach you about His power and authority?
- The Spirit’s Role: While the Creed focuses on the Son’s role in creation, how might the Holy Spirit also be involved in the creative process? How does the Spirit sustain and nurture the world?
Living the Creed:
- Responsible Stewardship: How does understanding Christ as creator influence your view of environmental responsibility and care for creation? What practical steps can you take to be a better steward of the earth?
- Finding Hope: In a world often marked by brokenness and suffering, how can the belief that Christ created all things offer hope for renewal and restoration?
- Sharing the Wonder: How can you share your wonder and appreciation for creation with others, helping them to see the world through the lens of faith?
- Connecting with the Creator: Spend time in nature, contemplating the beauty and complexity of the world around you. How does this experience help you connect with God the Creator and deepen your relationship with Him?
Bonus Question: How does the affirmation that “through him all things were made” impact your understanding of other aspects of the Nicene Creed, such as Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection?
By engaging with these questions, individuals and groups can delve deeper into the richness of the Nicene Creed, cultivate a greater appreciation for creation, and foster a more intimate and awe-filled relationship with their Trinitarian God.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post