Originally posted by checkbaiter
Hebrews 1:2
But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (NIV)
1. The Greek word translated “universe” (or “world” in many translations) is the plural of the Greek word aion, and actually means “ages.” There are other Greek words that mean “world,” such as kosmos and ...[text shortened]... hat He has spoken “in these last days” through His Son, and “given form to” the ages through him
You must remember that Satan got control of the world on Earth by tempting mankind to sin. So Satan could only tempt Jesus with what he then controlled and he did not control the whole universe.
We trinitarians have support that the entire universe was made through and by the pre-incarnate Jesus from other sources besides this one. For example:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
(Colossians 1:15-16 NKJV)
Jesus being the image of the invisible God and firstborn over all creation does not mean that the preincarnate Jesus was the first created being of God, but that He was the Only Begotten Son of God who is over all of creation because it is by Him all things were created.
And of course you already know about this verse;
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
(John 1:3 NKJV)
The above refers to the Word in John 1:1 which is the name John gives the pre-incarnate Christ When He was with God the Father and the Holy Spirit at the beginning of creation. It goes on to say the following:
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:14 NKJV)
I think John was talking about this incident when they saw His glory.
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
(Matthew 17:1-2 NKJV)
However, the Son had humbled himself to become in the likeness of man, so He could give His blood to pay our sin debt and just before the crucifixion, He prayed to the Father to restore Him to the glory He had with the Father at the beginning of creation.
And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
(John 17:5 NKJV)
Paul also speaks of Christ as having been in the form of God, but humbled himself to come in the likeness of man.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV)
And again:
For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
(Hebrews 2:8-9 NKJV)
But after His resurrection Jesus tells His disciples:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...
(Matthew 28:18-19 NKJV)
HalleluYah !!! Praise the Lord! Glory be to God! Holy! Holy! Holy!
The Instructor