Lasting or existing indefinitely; without end. This is the definition of “eternal” in the dictionary. This word has a special meaning for Christians because eternal life is their reward for accepting salvation through Jesus. Every Christian believer’s ultimate goal is eternal life. Christians frequently read about, discuss, and write about eternal life, but what many people want to know is, “is Jesus eternal?”
It is implied that Jesus is eternal. This is according to the Bible, which mentions Jesus Himself in John 17:5, implying that He existed before creation. In Mark 16:19, the Bible mentions Jesus being seated at God’s right hand after ascending into heaven, bidding His farewell and final words with His disciples. That is, he is still alive after his death.
What does it mean for Jesus to be eternal? Did Jesus claim to have existed from the beginning of time? Is Jesus the everlasting word? Was Jesus born? What exactly does it mean to say that Christ is the firstborn of all creations? Continue reading for answers to these and other questions.
What does it mean that Jesus is eternal?
Jesus’ being eternal means that His lifespan is infinite. Jesus exists forever and has existed even before creation, as suggested in the Bible verse John 8:58. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” This verse suggests that Jesus lived before Abraham, among Israel’s first forefathers. This means that Jesus has no end or beginning, He is everlasting.
God is eternal, and Jesus, as God’s son, is also eternal. God is a part of Jesus, and Jesus is a part of God, just as a father is a part of his son, and the son is a part of his father. God and Jesus are one; they exist outside of time and share the attribute of infinity. Christians believe that, as Jesus taught, they will one day have this gift of eternal life as well.
Did Jesus say he existed for eternity?
Jesus seemed to imply that His existence was eternal. According to Jesus, He existed long before creation, as mentioned in the Bible. The Bible mentions Jesus as referring to His life as an infinite entity. Jesus openly stated that He existed before Abraham; such words from Jesus demonstrate that He existed long before prophecies about Him were made, demonstrating that He existed from eternity.
Jesus Christ implied that His existence is eternal; not only did He say this, but other people in the Bible do as well. Long before Jesus was born as a human being on Earth, prophets had already linked Him to eternity with phrases like “eternal father.” This demonstrates His infinity and represents Jesus’ fatherly character, which will exist in perpetuity.
According to G. Campbell Morgan, it is unrealistic and unnecessary for us to fully comprehend the symbolic significance of the words Jesus used to describe His existence. Our Lord made allusions to Himself so that the implied meaning of His citations is eternal existence. Not only did Jesus claim eternity indirectly, but the prophets Isaiah and Micah also imply that He is eternal.
Is Jesus the eternal word?
It is suggested that Jesus is the eternal word; this is because the word was with God before creation. Jesus claims that He existed before the creation with God. This means that before creation and in the beginning, Jesus was the only person in existence with God, making Jesus the word, and because Jesus existed outside of time, He is the eternal word.
The verse John 1:1 suggests that Jesus is the eternal word who was with God in the beginning. In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was at the beginning with God. He existed with God in the beginning. As the son of God, Jesus is the only person in the Trinity who is the eternal word.
By being sent by God, bringing the word of God with Him, doing God’s will, and thus becoming the word of God in flesh, Jesus becomes the eternal word of God. God is eternal, as is His word, Jesus. Jesus is the everlasting word that God gave to man, and it is through Him that man can inherit eternity.
Was Jesus created?
Because the father and son are one, Jesus Christ was not created but rather participated in the process of creation. The Holy Trinity consists of three distinct identities that coexist as one Jesus. The Bible verse suggests this in Colossians 1:16, 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.
Jesus Christ existed in the beginning with God as God the son and also with God as the word. As suggested, Jesus Christ was not created; he is self-existent. Some argue that Jesus was created because, by taking human form, He became a part of creation. This argument is invalid because Jesus was born through the power of the Holy Spirit to a virgin, making Jesus’ birth divine as it was a miraculous birth.
What does it mean that Christ is the firstborn of all creation?
The fact that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation confirms Christ’s power over creation. It also implies that Jesus existed before the beginning of time. In contrast to what we define as the first child born in a family, the term “firstborn” has been used to signify leadership and rank. The term “firstborn” is not used here to refer to the first child because the Bible also refers to King David as “firstborn,” and he was his father’s youngest son.
According to Don Stewart, the firstborn of all creation is Jesus. This in no way implies that He was created. Jesus is said to rule over all of creation. The term “firstborn” can refer to both position and chronological precedence. Jesus is referred to as the firstborn in the context of His rule over all creation. As a result, Jesus is the firstborn of all creation.
Did Jesus participate in the creation?
It is implied that Jesus Christ did take part in the creation. According to the Bible verse, Jesus existed before creation, and everything was created through Him. John 1:1-3, In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was at the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him, nothing was made.
Theologian John Piper expands on this Bible verse, claiming that what John is saying is that Jesus existed before there was any matter and before anything was created. “The Word existed from the beginning.” As a result, he was present when those events occurred. That is what the phrase “in the beginning” means. Another clue that John is thinking along these lines is the fact that the next thing he says about Jesus’ actions is that everything was made through him. When he writes “in the beginning,” he is thinking about creation. From the beginning, Jesus existed as the Son of God.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus is eternal?
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
This Bible verse is a prophecy that refers to Jesus as the eternal father, implying that Jesus is infinite and His fatherly character is eternal.
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
This Bible verse depicts Jesus implying that He is eternal when He mentions sharing Glory with God before the world began.
John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”
This Bible verse quotes Jesus as claiming He existed before Abraham, implying His Eternal nature.
Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
This Bible verse is a prophecy implying that Jesus’ origins are from old and ancient times, demonstrating that Jesus is eternal.
REFERENCES
The Eternality and Pre-Existence of Christ
Did Jesus Say He Existed from Eternity?
Jesus Christ: The Eternal Word (John 1:1-5)
Encountering Christ, the Eternal Word
What does it mean that God is eternal?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
