The Beginning of God’s Creation

THE great Creator of the universe is presented to us in the Bible as existing “from everlasting to everlasting,” which means that he did not have a beginning. (Ps. 90:2; Gen. 21:33) The name exclusively applied to him in the Old Testament is “Jehovah,” which means “self-existing one”* The Scriptures reveal that the first and only direct creative act of Jehovah was the bringing forth of his Son, who was known in his pre-human existence as the “Word” [Greek, Logos] of God. Thereafter, the Logos was the active agent of his Father in creating all things.**—Rev. 3:14; Col. 1:15; John 1:3

* “The Atonement Between God and Man,” pages 40, 41.

** “The Atonement Between God and Man,” pages 85 to top of 88.

Aside from revealing that the Logos actively participated in the work of creation, the Scriptures furnish very little information concerning his activities before coming to earth, except to emphasize that he was at all times loyal to his Heavenly Father, and humble. (Phil. 2:6, Diaglott; Prov. 8:30) The Scriptures also reveal that he was a glorious being, although not divine.—John 17:5,24

Our greatest knowledge of God’s beloved Son is gained by noting what the Scriptures say concerning his relationship to and participation in his Father’s plan for the redemption and recovery of the sin-cursed human race from death. He came to earth to redeem Adam and his race from the death condemnation that came upon them because of original sin. To accomplish this it was necessary that the Logos be “made flesh.”—John 1:14; Heb. 2:14

The Logos was “made flesh” by being born of a human mother, although he did not have a human father. By a divine miracle the life principle of the Logos was transferred to the womb of Mary, where it matured as a human fetus, and in due course was born. (Matt. 1:18-23; Luke 2:10,11) By divine overruling, the Logos did not take on the imperfections of his human mother, but was born perfect, untainted by sin.*—Heb. 7:26

* “The Atonement Between God and Man,” pages 93-101.

Being perfect, Jesus possessed the ability to live up to all the requirements of his Heavenly Father’s perfect law, so he did not come under condemnation to death. Thus, when reaching maturity, Jesus had an uncondemned life to give as a substitute, or corresponding price, for the forfeited life of father Adam and the race which came out of his loins.—I Tim. 2:6; Isa. 53:4-6

The main reason in the Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation for Jesus’ being transferred to the human plane of life was that he might sacrifice his perfect humanity on behalf of the sin-cursed and dying adamic race. It was God’s love that made this provision, and Jesus willingly complied with it. Jesus voluntarily laid down his life—it was not taken from him. Thus he displayed his full harmony with his Father’s wishes, and also his love for the human race.—John 3:16; 10:15-18

The salvation from death provided by the Heavenly Father through his beloved Son is not arbitrarily thrust upon the human race. It is necessary in order to benefit from this gift of divine love, for the individual to accept it upon the basis of faith and obedience. (Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:23) However, full information concerning this provision of life through Christ will be given to all “in due time.” (I Tim. 2:4-6; Isa. 11:9) That “due time” for the vast majority will be when they are awakened from the sleep of death.

QUESTIONS

THESE questions are all answered in the text of the lesson. How many of them can you answer?

What is the meaning of the name “Jehovah”?

What was the first and only creative act of Jehovah? Who participated in the work of creation thereafter?

What does the Bible tell us about the Logos before he came to earth?

How do we gain our greatest knowledge of God’s beloved Son?

How was the Logos “made flesh”? Did he partake of his mother’s imperfections?

Why was it necessary for Jesus to be perfect?

What does the name “Jesus” mean, and how did he provide salvation?

What was Jesus’ motive in dying for the human race?

Will the gift of salvation be forced upon mankind?

When will be the “due time” for the vast majority to “believe”?

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT THOUGHTS

The Logos was the only direct creation of Jehovah.

The Logos was made flesh in order to redeem fallen man from death.

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