(9) God’s Exact Image

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament)


Reproductive cloning uses cell nuclear transfer to create animals that are genetically identical. In science fiction, you step into a chamber and an exact duplicate of you is produced. Neither is reality. Reproductive cloning does not actually produce a genetic equal, and the chamber is, well, science fiction. There are no two persons who share the exact same nature. Except when it comes to the triune God. In which case, it is three persons sharing the exact same nature.

The second wonderful phrase in Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus is “the exact imprint of [God’s] nature.” This statement describes the nature of Jesus through the use of metaphor, using one thing to explain another. Here, He uses the process of making coins to explain that Jesus is God.

The statement contains two key words. The first is the Greek word charakter. Originally, this was an engraving tool or die used to cut something or to make a coin. Latter, it came to refer to an exact representation, duplicate or reproduction.

The second key word is hupostasis. This word refers to something that stands under or behind something or the true substance of something. Here, it is referring to God and speaks of God’s substance, or nature.

Martin Vincent explains:

Here the essential being of God is conceived as setting its distinctive stamp upon Christ, coming into definite and characteristic expression in His Person, so that the Son bears the exact impression of the divine nature and character.

Consider the explanation of William Hendricksen.

A die that stamps an image on a coin bears certain characteristics. When the die produces a coin, the coin is an exact duplicate of the die. Whatever was characteristic of the die is now characteristic of the coin. The nature of the coin is exactly the same as the nature of the die. Nevertheless, even though an imprint is the same as the stamp that makes the impression, both exist separately.

The illustration of this verse helps us think in terms we can understand. A coin is an exact replication or reproduction of the die it came from. Jesus is an exact representation of God. All that God is in His nature, Jesus is.

He is not just the shining forth of God, He is the very person of God. He is the exact representation of God's essence. And what is God's essence? He is God. He is the precise copy, the exact image, the exact reproduction. Language is basically pressed to its limits to try to express this. He is not just a sketch of God. He is not just a shadow like Old Testament pictures and images. He is the full revelation, the picture complete. (John MacArthur)

God is spirit. The Father has no material or physical substance. He is invisible. But here, the writer of Hebrews explains that the substance of God, His true nature is expressed in Jesus in a physical image. Jesus is an exact replication of God. All that God is in His nature, Jesus is. Jesus is God.

Next: (10) Did Jesus Claim to be God?

(4) Paul Declares The Supremacy of Christ - PT. 1

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament.)

When Paul wrote to the Colossian church, he had much to say about the glories of Jesus. Read his words carefully, noting especially his statements demonstrating the deity of Jesus in bold.

Colossians 1:15-20 (NET)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him– all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers– all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross– through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

There is so much theology packed in there! But we must limit our focus to the statements related to the deity of Jesus. They are profound and incredibly powerful. We’ll take them one at a time.

First, Paul states that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God.” “Image” is from the Greek word eicon and implies representation and manifestation. Applied to Jesus, this means that he is the visible manifestation of the invisible God. God is invisible but Jesus makes God visible. In other words, we can see exactly what God is like in all His nature by looking at Jesus. Look at Jesus and you’re looking at God. It’s that simple.

Now to the second statement, Jesus is said to be “the firstborn over all creation.” And here those who deny the deity of Jesus cry out, “See, he is born, not eternal!” How do we respond? Actually very simply. This description is a very common Jewish figure of speech. It is far more than a designation for a child born first in a family. It is not a statement of birth order, it is a title of honor and superiority.

This title may be connected to Jesus being born into humanity. In this sense He would be the firstborn God into humanity. God had never taken on human flesh before. But, far more significantly, it refers to Jesus as bing in the place honor and superiority above all creation.

He is not the firstborn in creation for He is the one who created all things. Think carefully about this carefully. The eternal Son of God could not have been born into existence if he created all things. Paul is emphasizing the superiority of Jesus over all creation. It is clear that this is what Paul had in mind as he also calls Jesus the “firstborn from among the dead.” Jesus was not the first to be resurrected. But, he is in an exalted and superior position among those who have resurrected.

Next:  (5)  Paul Declares The Supremacy of Christ - Pt. 2