The Watchtower Society claims that Jesus is not the eternal God but rather a created being. They claim that He is the first of God’s creation and the greatest. The question we have to ask is simple: Does the Bible back up their claims? Let’s look at the verse they use to teach this doctrine.
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:15-17)
They take the word “firstborn” and they teach their followers that Jesus was the firstborn or first created being and then He created all other things. Is this really what firstborn means in the Bible? Well we need to compare Scripture with Scripture and see what we find. We know that David was not the first born son of Jesse.
“And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.” (1 Samuel 17:13)
Even knowing this truth the Bible clearly calls David the firstborn even though he was actually the youngest.
“I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him…Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.” (Psalm 89:20, 27)
How could David be firstborn when he was the youngest? The answer is simple when you understand the context the word firstborn is used in. It is used not to show order of birth or creation but to show prominence or order of importance. David was the youngest son of Jesse but to God he was elevated to a place of importance. We see the same wording in regards to Ephraim. He was the youngest yet he is called the firstborn.
“And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:51-52)
“They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.” (Jeremiah 31:9)
Neither of these were the first created or first born sons and yet they are given this title just as Jesus Christ is given it in Colossians. This title was even given by God to the nation of Israel even though Israel was not the first born or first created nation.
“And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” (Exodus 4:21-23)
The Watchtower Society might even claim that the term begotten proves that there was a time when Jesus was created. This term is used a few ties in relation to Jesus.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (Psalm 2:7)
“For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” (Hebrews 1:5-6)
So what does it mean to say that Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father? Does this prove there was a time when He was created? No it does not. In fact we have again a title of position or esteem given with no respect to birth order. Was Isaac the first born of Abraham? No, it was Ishmael and yet Isaac is called the only begotten son of Abraham.
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.” (Hebrews 11:17)
Both of these terms refer not to order of creation but are titles of position over creation. Jesus eternally existed with the Father before the creation of the world.
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (John 17:5)
The Gospel Beacon 