Who did Jesus prayed to while he was on earth? If he is the almighty God, why does he prayed to himself?
Why does the passages mentioned that Jesus was the firstborn of all creation? But we know God has no beginning.
Col 1:15 "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:"
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;"
These are important questions, and you should study for your understanding and conscience. It may take a while but pray and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Do not go to the Scriptures with preconceived ideas, when we do that our eyes and ears are closed to the truth and Holy Spirit.
We know Jesus is the only way John 14:6, Jesus was sent by the Father and He did the will of the Father. God was with/in Jesus Acts 10:38. The works Jesus did were the Father's works, the words Jesus spoke were the Father's, and Jesus was totally obedient to His death, and by that we are made righteous, Romans 5:19.
God's plan was before creation all was in this plan from the beginning to the end and Jesus was the beginning of this plan 1 Peter 1:19-20.
To the first one: when we speak of Jesus being God, or Almighty God, we know that Jesus is not the Father - He is the Son (of God). But the question: where did Jesus come from that He should be called God, or Divine? Jesus Himself spoke of coming forth from God ( John 16:28, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father").
The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14 prophesied about a special Child to be born, which was fulfilled as given in Matthew 1:22,23, "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us".
So just from these few verses we are told that God was going to bring a special Person into the World (and we know that it was for the purpose of Sacrifice & Redemption of sinners); and this Person was not born from the union of two humans, but His beginning was from God Himself. John 1:1-14 tells us that God's Word was made flesh, begotten of the Father - and John was speaking here of Jesus (Jesus' Origin & His Divine Nature).
Why does Jesus then pray to God? Because God brought forth One, a part of Himself, Who is both Divine & Human, & called Him His Son ( Matthew 3:17), for He came forth from within the Person of God. As a Son, Jesus now rightfully speaks (or prays) to His Father & was subservient to Him in every respect fulfilling the Will of the Father to one day make full payment for our sins. This Jesus has done, which God His Father accepted, & raised Jesus to be with Him sharing in His Glory, in Honor & in Power. As the Son of God, Jesus was wholly obedient to His Father's Will; now raised in Glory, the Son receives the praise & worship just as God His Father receives ( Philippians 2:5-11). Onto Page 2.
To your second question on Colossians 1:15, "Who (i.e. Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature". In this verse, we can't read it as 'Jesus being the first to be born (or created) of all living things'. If this was so, then the following verses ( Colossians 1:16,17) are incorrect & meaningless, for it's not possible that a first born or created being should also be the creator of other beings; nor was Jesus born/created before Adam & Eve, rather, He came onto the earthly scene only two millenia ago.
The only way that Jesus could be involved in creating, and to be "before all things" & to hold all things together, is for Him to not be made alongside the creation of humans, creatures, etc. Therefore, when we read Colossians 1:15, the word "firstborn" of every creature refers to Jesus' Rank & Rights that a firstborn would hold; and this also speaks of Jesus' preeminent position over all that He has created. As also in Romans 8:29, where Jesus is said to be "the firstborn among many brethren". Here as well, it has nothing to do with a birth, but that Jesus would be the cause (the beginning) & preeminent One of His newly formed Body, His Church, leading us into the family of God His Father.
Revelation 3:14, "..the beginning of the creation of God". Here, it speaks of Jesus as the One Who is the Originator, or the beginner of God's Creation. It certainly cannot be that Jesus was the first creation of God's creative Work; if this was so, then Jesus was created back in eternity past & everything else was created after him by God - and the other Scriptures refute this, confirming that Jesus was actually involved in creating. I realize that this verse can be confusing, but when read in line with other associated passages which tell us of Jesus' Work of creation & His Divinity, then it (and other passages) fit in well together. Hope this was helpful & others may contribute; & thanks again for those good questions.
Jesus as firstborn creation He spoke about this himself in details:
I found this scriptures:
Proverbs 8:22-31
22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Jesus described what it was like to be with his Father and this scriptures is further proof that he is the "firstborn of all creation" .. "the beginning of the creation of God" It doesn't make sense if he is talking about himself. It's very descriptive. Which also made Genesis 1:26 - "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." His son was with him.
I'm slowly learning the verses of the Bible. Thought this is interesting. I want to find the truth :)
Thanks for your further comment Lovealot19. In reference to Proverbs 8:22-31, I read it as applying solely to Wisdom & it is Wisdom that speaks here (even as that whole chapter indicates).
I know, at least I've heard this before, that this chapter is understood as a Christological application, presenting a picture of Christ rather than the eternal character of Wisdom. It is true that Christ is the revelation of God's Wisdom & Power ( 1 Corinthians 1:24), & possesses all wisdom & knowledge ( Colossians 2:3), though there is no indication in that chapter that it speaks directly of Jesus. But it does show us that Wisdom is older than creation itself & is fundamental to it ( Proverbs 8:22); that it assisted in creation as a master workman ( Proverbs 8:30), and it rejoiced in creation ( Proverbs 8:30,31). So to me, this doesn't provide any proof that Jesus (Wisdom) is "the firstborn of all creation", yet it is very true that He was involved in God's creative Work in some form or manner ( Colossians 1:15-17).
Having stated that, & from which you may have gathered, I'm a strong believer & advocate of proper Biblical hermeneutics. For without first correctly understanding what the Bible passages speak about, then one can be prone to moving in all sorts of directions of understanding, believing that we are being led by God's Spirit. Yes, it is essential to be led of His Spirit in all things, even our reading of the Scriptures, but we must also endeavor to first understand as far as is possible what exactly is being communicated by the plain understanding of the Word. So, I would encourage you to bear this in mind as you read & study God's Word. Blessings.
Why does the passages mentioned that Jesus was the firstborn of all creation? But we know God has no beginning.
Col 1:15 "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:"
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;"
These are important questions, and you should study for your understanding and conscience. It may take a while but pray and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Do not go to the Scriptures with preconceived ideas, when we do that our eyes and ears are closed to the truth and Holy Spirit.
We know Jesus is the only way John 14:6, Jesus was sent by the Father and He did the will of the Father. God was with/in Jesus Acts 10:38. The works Jesus did were the Father's works, the words Jesus spoke were the Father's, and Jesus was totally obedient to His death, and by that we are made righteous, Romans 5:19.
God's plan was before creation all was in this plan from the beginning to the end and Jesus was the beginning of this plan 1 Peter 1:19-20.
God bless you,
RLW
Hello Lovealot19. Thanks for your questions.
To the first one: when we speak of Jesus being God, or Almighty God, we know that Jesus is not the Father - He is the Son (of God). But the question: where did Jesus come from that He should be called God, or Divine? Jesus Himself spoke of coming forth from God ( John 16:28, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father").
The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14 prophesied about a special Child to be born, which was fulfilled as given in Matthew 1:22,23, "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us".
So just from these few verses we are told that God was going to bring a special Person into the World (and we know that it was for the purpose of Sacrifice & Redemption of sinners); and this Person was not born from the union of two humans, but His beginning was from God Himself. John 1:1-14 tells us that God's Word was made flesh, begotten of the Father - and John was speaking here of Jesus (Jesus' Origin & His Divine Nature).
Why does Jesus then pray to God? Because God brought forth One, a part of Himself, Who is both Divine & Human, & called Him His Son ( Matthew 3:17), for He came forth from within the Person of God. As a Son, Jesus now rightfully speaks (or prays) to His Father & was subservient to Him in every respect fulfilling the Will of the Father to one day make full payment for our sins. This Jesus has done, which God His Father accepted, & raised Jesus to be with Him sharing in His Glory, in Honor & in Power. As the Son of God, Jesus was wholly obedient to His Father's Will; now raised in Glory, the Son receives the praise & worship just as God His Father receives ( Philippians 2:5-11). Onto Page 2.
To your second question on Colossians 1:15, "Who (i.e. Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature". In this verse, we can't read it as 'Jesus being the first to be born (or created) of all living things'. If this was so, then the following verses ( Colossians 1:16,17) are incorrect & meaningless, for it's not possible that a first born or created being should also be the creator of other beings; nor was Jesus born/created before Adam & Eve, rather, He came onto the earthly scene only two millenia ago.
The only way that Jesus could be involved in creating, and to be "before all things" & to hold all things together, is for Him to not be made alongside the creation of humans, creatures, etc. Therefore, when we read Colossians 1:15, the word "firstborn" of every creature refers to Jesus' Rank & Rights that a firstborn would hold; and this also speaks of Jesus' preeminent position over all that He has created. As also in Romans 8:29, where Jesus is said to be "the firstborn among many brethren". Here as well, it has nothing to do with a birth, but that Jesus would be the cause (the beginning) & preeminent One of His newly formed Body, His Church, leading us into the family of God His Father.
Revelation 3:14, "..the beginning of the creation of God". Here, it speaks of Jesus as the One Who is the Originator, or the beginner of God's Creation. It certainly cannot be that Jesus was the first creation of God's creative Work; if this was so, then Jesus was created back in eternity past & everything else was created after him by God - and the other Scriptures refute this, confirming that Jesus was actually involved in creating. I realize that this verse can be confusing, but when read in line with other associated passages which tell us of Jesus' Work of creation & His Divinity, then it (and other passages) fit in well together. Hope this was helpful & others may contribute; & thanks again for those good questions.
Jesus as firstborn creation He spoke about this himself in details:
I found this scriptures:
Proverbs 8:22-31
22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Jesus described what it was like to be with his Father and this scriptures is further proof that he is the "firstborn of all creation" .. "the beginning of the creation of God" It doesn't make sense if he is talking about himself. It's very descriptive. Which also made Genesis 1:26 - "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." His son was with him.
I'm slowly learning the verses of the Bible. Thought this is interesting. I want to find the truth :)
I know, at least I've heard this before, that this chapter is understood as a Christological application, presenting a picture of Christ rather than the eternal character of Wisdom. It is true that Christ is the revelation of God's Wisdom & Power ( 1 Corinthians 1:24), & possesses all wisdom & knowledge ( Colossians 2:3), though there is no indication in that chapter that it speaks directly of Jesus. But it does show us that Wisdom is older than creation itself & is fundamental to it ( Proverbs 8:22); that it assisted in creation as a master workman ( Proverbs 8:30), and it rejoiced in creation ( Proverbs 8:30,31). So to me, this doesn't provide any proof that Jesus (Wisdom) is "the firstborn of all creation", yet it is very true that He was involved in God's creative Work in some form or manner ( Colossians 1:15-17).
Having stated that, & from which you may have gathered, I'm a strong believer & advocate of proper Biblical hermeneutics. For without first correctly understanding what the Bible passages speak about, then one can be prone to moving in all sorts of directions of understanding, believing that we are being led by God's Spirit. Yes, it is essential to be led of His Spirit in all things, even our reading of the Scriptures, but we must also endeavor to first understand as far as is possible what exactly is being communicated by the plain understanding of the Word. So, I would encourage you to bear this in mind as you read & study God's Word. Blessings.
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