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Past discussions about whether the Lord Jesus Christ (the Amen) is a created being or the source of creation, have not to my knowledge significantly touched on this question which I think would greatly help us to make a logical conclusion on this issue.
Rev 3:14 (BSB) To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are
the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator
of God’s creation.
Glenn
The article presents a rather one-sided interpretation of Rev 3:14, suggesting that it supports the idea of Jesus as a created being. However, this view neglects the broader context of Christian theology and the historical understanding of Christ’s nature. According to Pew Research, a significant majority of Christians affirm the belief in the Trinity, which asserts that Jesus is co-eternal and co-equal with God the Father (Pew Research Center, 2017). This contradicts any notion that He is merely a created entity. Furthermore, early church fathers like Athanasius and Augustine firmly established the doctrine of Christ’s divinity against similar claims of Arianism—considered heretical by mainstream Christianity (Pentecostal Archives). The claim that Jesus is ‘the Originator of God’s creation’ can be interpreted as emphasizing His role in creation rather than suggesting He was created. In conclusion, these arguments debunk the article’s assertions as misleading and rooted in a gnostic interpretation that diverges from orthodox Christian teaching. The person referred to in Revelation 3:14 is Jesus Christ, who describes himself using several titles, including “the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning/originator of the creation of God”.
The specific reference to “the beginning of the creation of God” has led to different theological interpretations, but mainstream Christian theology generally understands it to mean one of the following:
Originator/Source of Creation This view holds that Jesus is not a created being, but rather the active cause or source through whom God created all things. This aligns with other New Testament passages such as John 1:1-3, which states, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has been made”. It also aligns with Colossians 1:16-17, which affirms that all things were created by and for Christ and that in Him all things hold together.
Ruler of Creation Some translations (like the NIV) render the Greek word archē (ἀρχὴ) as “ruler” or “head” of God’s creation, emphasizing His preeminence and authority over all creation rather than the chronology of His existence.
Beginning of the New Creation Another interpretation is that this phrase refers to Jesus as the “firstborn from the dead,” the beginning of a new spiritual creation, rather than the original material creation.
Overall, the titles used in Revelation 3:14 emphasize Jesus’ divine authority, truthfulness, and essential role in creation and redemption.