The phrase “The Image of the Invisible God” originates from the New Testament, specifically from
the writings of the Apostle Paul in the book of Colossians. This theological concept provides profound
insights into the nature and significance of Jesus Christ as the visible representation of the invisible
God. The phrase emphasizes the unique relationship between the divine and the human in the
person of Jesus, expressing the profound mystery of the Incarnation.
Let’s explore this concept further:
The key passage where this phrase Is found in Colossians 1:15-20: “He is the image of the invisible
God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on
earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created
by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of
the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in
everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by
making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
From this passage, we can draw the following insights about “The Image of the Invisible God”:
Jesus is the visible representation of God to humanity. While God is invisible and beyond human
comprehension, Jesus, as the Incarnate Son of God, reveals God’s nature, character, and attributes
in a way that humans can understand and relate to (John 1:14).
God has visibly manifested himself in forms other than the flesh suit of Yeshua. God shows up in the form of a burning bush to Moses, pillars of smoke and fire to the Israelites and as flames of fire at Pentecost.
As “the firstborn over all creation,” Jesus holds a position of preeminence and authority in all of the created order. This means that He is not a “created being” Himself but is rather the agent through whom all things were created including the creation of a future community called heaven.
Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
The passage explicitly states that “by him all things were created.” This emphasizes Jesus’ role as the
divine Creator, who was involved in the bringing forth of the entire cosmos.
Hebrews 1:2 “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” John 1:3 “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
Not only is Jesus the Creator, but He is also the Sustainer of all things. The passage declares that “in
him all things hold together.” This affirms His ongoing involvement in upholding the universe.
The image of the invisible God is also the head of the body, which is the church. This signifies Jesus’
role as the authoritative leader and source of life for the community of believers. Ephesians 5:23 “For
the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of
the body.” We will see in Chapter 4 the depth of the marriage and powerful example the wedding
ceremony provided the believer.
Jesus, as the Image of the Invisible God, is the one through whom God reconciles all things to
Himself. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He brings about reconciliation and peace between
God and humanity. 2 Corinthians 5:19 “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto
himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation.”
The passage affirms that “all the fullness of God” dwells in Jesus. This emphasizes His divine nature
and the completeness of God’s presence in Him.
“The Image of the Invisible God” is a powerful theological concept that highlights Jesus Christ’s
unique role as the visible representation of the invisible and incomprehensible God. He is the Creator,
Sustainer, Head of the Church, Reconciler, and the embodiment of God’s fullness. The passage in
Colossians presents a profound Christological understanding that Jesus is fully God and fully human,
revealing God’s nature, purpose, and plan of redemption to humanity.
Matthew 22:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the
power of God.”
Doing all I can to avoid falling into this error of ways I encourage everyone to study Scripture constantly.
This is a VERY harsh statement as Jesus is addressing those that profess the faith of YHVH. These
are what the world today wants to label as the early “Christians”. What was the error of their ways?
Not knowing the Scriptures! With that let us dig, and I mean DIG into the Scriptures.
What is the “Power of God”? Is it Creator? Is it as Savior? How about teacher? How does the writer
of Hebrews proclaim this power?
Lets look:
Hebrews 1:1 “God, who at sundry times (in many portions) and in divers manners (in many ways)
spake in time past (formerly) unto the fathers (human parents) by the prophets” (inspired speakers)
First we have to determine: Who, or what is God?
Recalling John 4:24 tells us: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Notice the Scripture does not say that God HAS a spirit, it say He IS a Spirit. We read this in the creation account Genesis 1:2 “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” YHVH has always existed as a Spirit and as such was without the need of terra-firma. Earth would be for our needs, our place to commune with YHVH.
Again recalling, when humanity was created in the “likeness” of YHVH that meant we were crafted
after the manner in which God himself existed, we were given a spirit first. It would be after that,
that a shell, or body would encapsulate that spirit. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I
knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a
prophet unto the nations.”
God crafts our spirit, our essence, our ability to think and to reason, and then places into the flesh
suit. This is the same thing that has happened in the creation of Yeshua, with the difference being,
the spirit inside Yeshua had 100% of YHVH’s Spirit within the flesh suit. It is the process of
sanctification that we surrender portions of our will/spirit for that of YHVH. James 4:7 “Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Because we live within this current realm, the corrupted earth, the subsequently corrupted flesh is in
constant battle with the Spirit of God inhabiting (or attempting to inhabit) your flesh suit. The
modern church teaches the concept of the “Holy Spirit”, or in Hebrew Ruach HaKodesh, existing
ONLY after Pentecost. We can see from the truth of Scripture that the Spirit, once again, has
ALWAYS existed. In Genesis 41 Pharaoh asks his servants “Can we find such a one as this is
[Joseph], a man in whom the Spirit of God is?”
Again, in the Book of Numbers we see the Lord talking to Moses, “I will take of the Spirit which is
upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee”. Even
the prophet Isaiah recalls these events. Isaiah 63:11 “Then he remembered the days of old, Moses,
and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his
flock? Where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?” We can see the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as
early as the Garden.
Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man (דםָ֗ אָ הָֽ hā-’ā-ḏām) of the dust of the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” This is the life beyond the
flesh suit. There is a difficulty theologians have had for many centuries in trying to decide “if the soul,
generally acknowledged as the seat or essence of life, is the same thing as spirit; or if spirit and soul
are two different things?” YHVH is Spirit and the way we are told that we should commune with
YHVH is by means of the spirit. YHVH breathed both the soul-life and the spirit-life into man (דםָ֗ אָ הָֽ
hā-’ā-ḏām).
The concept of Jesus being the Sustainer of Creation is rooted in the biblical understanding of His
divine nature and role as the Son of God. As the Creator of all things, Jesus is not only responsible
for bringing the universe into existence, but He also actively sustains and upholds it. This theological
truth is supported by various passages in both the New and Old Testaments. Here’s a closer look at
how Jesus fulfills the role of the Sustainer of Creation:
In the Gospel of John, it is explicitly stated that “All things were made through him, and without him
was not anything made that was made”. This verse affirms that Jesus, as the Word of God incarnate,
was instrumental in the creation of the entire cosmos. The same creative power that brought the
universe into being is the very power that sustains and maintains it. The consistent and orderly
nature of the universe points to a Sustainer who maintains its laws and functions. The book of
Hebrews affirms this truth, stating that Jesus Christ is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact
imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3).
This verse highlights Jesus’ ongoing involvement in upholding the natural laws and order of creation.
The Scriptures also reveal that Jesus cares for and provides for His creation. In the Sermon on the
Mount, Jesus encourages His disciples not to worry about their basic needs but to trust in God’s
providential care. He points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of how God
provides for His creation (Matthew 6:25-34). Beyond sustaining the physical universe, Jesus is also
intimately involved in sustaining human life. The Apostle Paul affirms in Acts 17:28 that “In him we
live and move and have our being.” This statement emphasizes the continuous dependence of all
living beings on Jesus’ sustaining power for their existence.
John 3:7-9 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it
listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, “How can these things be?” Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus this invisible power of God.
The biblical narrative looks forward to the future renewal and restoration of creation. The book of
Revelation envisions a new heaven and a new earth, which will be sustained and governed by Jesus
Christ (Revelation 21:1). The belief that Jesus is the Sustainer of Creation is firmly rooted in the
biblical understanding of His identity as the divine Son of God and Creator of all things. He not only
brought the universe into existence but continues to actively uphold and sustain it. His providential
care and ongoing involvement in sustaining human life and the natural order point to His omnipotent
and loving nature as the sovereign Lord over all creation. As believers, this truth invites us to
acknowledge our dependence on Jesus and trust in His faithful sustenance throughout our lives.
This invisible nature must be the most difficult portion of the faith in YHVH. So many say the ‘seeing
is believing’ and request tangible proof of His physical existence. This topic is deeply investigated in
the book ‘The Case for Christ’.
Any lack of direct physical evidence does not necessarily undermine the historical and theological
significance of Yeshua. The evidence for the existence of Yeshua primarily comes from historical and
literary sources, as well as archaeological findings, that shed light on the context and impact of his
life and ministry. Here are some key types of evidence used by historians to study the historical
Jesus.
The primary sources regarding the life of Jesus are the New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark,
Luke, and John). Though written decades after Jesus’ death, they contain eyewitness testimonies and
traditions passed down by early Christian communities. Besides the Gospels, other writings from early
Christians and Church Fathers, such as Paul’s letters and works by Clement of Rome and Ignatius of
Antioch, refer to Jesus and his teachings, providing additional insights.
Roman historians like Tacitus and Jewish historian Flavius Josephus mention Jesus or the early Christian
communities in their writings, although some passages have been subject to debates regarding later
Christian interpolations.
Additionally, archaeology has unearthed artifacts and sites that help reconstruct the historical context of Jesus’ time, such as the city of Nazareth and ancient synagogues in Galilee. Scholars apply historical-critical methodologies to analyze the available evidence, sifting through the biblical texts and other sources to reconstruct a historical portrait of Jesus.
Romans 1:20 “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are
without excuse:”
It is crucial to recognize that the evidence for the historical Jesus is an undisputed historical fact
based on the available evidence, the general consensus among historians and scholars, and that
Jesus of Nazareth was a significant figure who had an impact on the development of Christianity and
Western civilization.
Ultimately, faith in Yeshua goes beyond physical evidence and rests on spiritual beliefs and religious
experiences for many Christians. The role of physical evidence in the study of history is limited due to
the passage of time and the nature of ancient sources. As a result, the quest for historical evidence
will likely continue to be an ongoing topic of scholarly inquiry and debate. What cannot be debated
are the lives lived, as evidence, of the interaction with Yeshua and the Holy Spirit.
1 Timothy 1:17 “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and
glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Yeshua knew this phenomenon was in existence in the days of His ministry and would increase as
humanity grew in both numbers and philosophy. We can see this in his interaction with one doubtful
Thomas.
John 20:24-31 “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus
came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them,
Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and
thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within,
and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said,
Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and
reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas
answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast
seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many
other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But
these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name.”
The story of Doubting Thomas is a well-known episode from the New Testament, found in the Gospel
of John, which holds significant theological and spiritual implications. Thomas with his doubt and
subsequent faith provide valuable lessons for believers throughout history. This story plays a crucial
role in affirming the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. Thomas initially doubted the testimony of the other
disciples who claimed to have seen the risen Lord. However, when Jesus appeared to him and invited
him to touch His wounds, Thomas’s doubt was transformed into unwavering faith. His proclamation,
“My Lord and my God!”, stands as a powerful confession of the risen Christ’s divinity and solidifies
the reality of the resurrection.
Thomas emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in Jesus as the Messiah and as the physical
visage of God. Jesus’ response to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have
believed” (vs 29), highlights the significance of faith beyond physical evidence. This statement
encourages believers throughout generations to trust in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the
Gospel message, even though they have not witnessed it firsthand.
Dealing with doubt serves as a relatable example for believers who wrestle with doubts and
uncertainties in their faith journey. It reminds us that even faithful disciples can experience moments
of doubt, and it is essential to bring those doubts honestly before God. The story shows that Jesus is
compassionate and patient with those who seek the truth and provides the evidence needed to
overcome doubt.
A Call to Personal Encounter between Jesus and Thomas underscores the significance of a personal
relationship with Jesus. Jesus meets Thomas at his point of doubt and invites him to touch His
wounds. This intimate encounter leads to Thomas’s confession of faith. The story challenges believers
to seek personal encounters with Jesus and to experience His transformative power in their lives. Our
research of the Scriptures bring us into proximity of Yeshua and prepares us for prayer and
supplication.
The story of Thomas contributes to theological discussions regarding the nature of Christ, His
resurrection, and His role as Lord and Savior. Thomas’s confession of Jesus as “My Lord and my God”
affirms the Christian belief in the divinity of Christ and His rightful place as the object of worship.
Likewise, it serves as an encouragement for seekers who are exploring the claims of faith. Thomas’s
demand for evidence before believing reflects the reasonable approach of many skeptics. The story
shows that Jesus is not offended by honest questioning but welcomes those who seek to understand
and know the truth. People tell me all the time that I should not question God and I repy, “why not?
He has great answers!”
The story of Thomas holds significant theological and spiritual significance as it validates Jesus’
resurrection, emphasizes the importance of faith and belief, addresses doubts and uncertainties in
the faith journey, and highlights the importance of personal encounters with Jesus. The story has
inspired believers throughout history to profess their faith in the risen Christ and encourages seekers
to explore the truth of the Scriptures with openness and honesty.
Berean Breadcrumbs 
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