Grace Thompson
Jesus was born and died Jewish, and the question of whether he was created or has existed eternally has divided Christianity for centuries. The Catholic Church claims that Jesus founded their church, but this is disputed. The New Testament refers to Jesus as the firstborn, which has been interpreted in multiple ways, including that he was created before any other being, or that he is the Son of God and existed in eternity with the Father and Spirit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jesus's religion at birth | Jewish |
| Jesus's religion at death | Jewish |
| Jesus established | Christ followers, not a denomination |
| Jesus founded the Catholic Church? | Yes |
| Jesus is the Creator or first among creatures? | The Creator |
| Jesus is divine | Yes |
| Jesus is a deity | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Jesus was born and died Jewish
Jesus established a church and gave the authority of the keys to Peter, as recorded in the Scriptures selected by the Early Church Fathers. However, he did not establish a denomination. The Roman Catholic Church's claim that Jesus started the Church of Rome is widely disputed.
Jesus's teachings and actions as recorded in the Gospels led to accusations of blasphemy from the Pharisees, who wanted to be the authority on God. Jesus challenged the Pharisees' interpretation of the Torah and provided a fuller spiritual meaning to the Jewish Law, as noted by Messianic Jewish author David H. Stern.
Jesus's Jewish identity is significant, and rejecting him as such is considered by some Christians to be a form of antisemitism.
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The Catholic Church claims Jesus founded it
The Catholic Church claims that Jesus founded it, and this belief is central to Catholic doctrine. This claim is based on several pieces of evidence and interpretations of Scripture.
Firstly, the Catholic Church points to the doctrinal consistency of its teachings over more than 2,000 years. This consistency, they argue, is indicative of divine guidance and institution by Jesus. The Catholic Church claims that its teachings and practices have remained unchanged since their inception, which is evidenced by the ability of every Catholic Pope, bishop, priest, and deacon to trace their ordination back to one of the Apostles. This unbroken line of succession is seen as proof of the Catholic Church's direct connection to Jesus and his original Apostles.
Secondly, the Catholic Church interprets certain passages in Scripture as evidence that Jesus intended to establish a church. For example, in Mt 7:24-25, Jesus gives the parable of the wise builder who built his house on rock, and this is interpreted as a metaphor for the foundation of the Catholic Church. Additionally, in Eph 2:20 and Rev 21:14, the Apostles are referred to as the foundation of the Church, which Catholics interpret as confirmation of the divine assurance Jesus gave to his apostolic Church.
Thirdly, the Catholic Church emphasizes the role of Peter, one of the Apostles, as the rock upon which Jesus built his church. This interpretation is based on Jesus' words and the belief that Peter was given a position of authority within the early Christian community.
However, it is important to note that these claims are disputed by some Christians, particularly Protestants. Protestants argue that Jesus established no organized church and that the Catholic Church's claims of primacy are unfounded. They believe that Christ's true Church consists of all those whom God has predestined for heaven, and that the focus should be on an individual's relationship with Christ and living a life in accordance with his teachings.
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Jesus established followers, not a denomination
Jesus Christ established followers, not a denomination. He was born and died Jewish, and by the time of his execution by the Romans, many Jewish people would have considered him guilty of blasphemy due to his teachings about God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus himself said that if you see Him, you see the Father, and they are one.
The Roman Catholic Church claims that Jesus started the Church of Rome, but this is not mentioned in Scripture. Instead, Jesus created a Church and gave the authority of the keys to Peter, which was passed down. The Early Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine, taught very specific doctrines and interpreted Scriptures, which put them into their proper context.
The Catholic Church's position on marriage and children, for example, is something that may turn people off, but it is also what draws others in. The papal writings and addresses are beautiful, rich, and profound, and they provide a cohesive belief system that some may find appealing.
While Jesus established followers, the development of denominations like Catholicism is a result of human interpretation and organization of his teachings. The question of whether Jesus was created or has existed eternally has divided Christianity for centuries, with some arguing for his creation by God the Father, and others for his eternal existence as part of the Trinity.
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Jesus is referred to as firstborn in Colossians 1:15-20
Jesus Christ established a church and gave the authority of the keys to Peter, which was passed down. However, Christ did not establish a denomination. He was born and died Jewish, and by the time he was executed by the Romans, many Jewish people would have considered Jesus guilty of blasphemy due to his teachings about God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul identifies Jesus as "the firstborn of all creation". This phrase has been interpreted in different ways. Some, like Jehovah's Witnesses, argue that this phrase indicates that Jesus is not the Creator but rather the first and highest member of the created order of beings. However, others interpret "firstborn" not in the sense of birth order but of rank, signifying priority, inheritance, and leadership. In this interpretation, Jesus is seen as sovereign over creation, preeminent over creation, and the Messiah. Paul's use of the phrase "in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible" (Colossians 1:16) further supports the interpretation that Jesus is divine and has authority over creation.
The discussion around Colossians 1:15-20 and the divinity of Jesus is relevant to the question of whether Jesus was Catholic. While Jesus did not establish a specific denomination, his teachings and the authority he gave to the early Church form the basis of various Christian denominations, including Catholicism. The interpretation of Jesus as "the firstborn of all creation" in Colossians contributes to the understanding of his role and nature within the Catholic Church.
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Jesus is believed to be preeminent over creation
Paul, in Colossians, writes that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and that all things were created through Him and for Him. This includes all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, emphasizing His power, authority, and wisdom. The passage also mentions Jesus' role in reconciliation, bringing peace by the blood of His cross.
The concept of Jesus' preeminence over creation is further supported by other verses in the Bible. For example, Psalms 89:27 refers to Jesus as the “firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth,” indicating His authority and rank over all earthly kings. Additionally, in Revelation chapter 1, John introduces Jesus as the “firstborn of the dead,” highlighting His redemptive work and victory over death.
The idea of Jesus' preeminence also extends to His role in the New Creation or redemption. Verses 18-20 of Colossians describe Jesus as first over the new creation, where all things will be restored and made new. This world will be part of the New Creation, where God's people will dwell with Jesus as the head.
Jesus' preeminence over creation is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, emphasizing His divinity, sovereignty, and redemptive power. It underscores the belief that Jesus is not just a part of creation but holds a position of supreme authority and prominence within it.
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Frequently asked questions
Jesus was born and died Jewish. He established followers of Christ, but not a denomination.
Some claim that Jesus started the Church of Rome, but this is not mentioned in Scripture.
The question of Jesus's "origins" has divided Christianity. Some believe Jesus was created by God the Father, while others believe he has existed eternally as part of the Trinity.
The term "firstborn" can be interpreted literally to mean that Jesus was the first to be born, or it can be interpreted figuratively to mean that he has rights as the Son of God.
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