Who created heaven and earth?

Question: "Who created heaven and earth? Was it God or was it Jesus?"

Genesis 1:1 says it was God: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth."

Colossians 1:15-17 says it was Jesus: "Christ is the exact likeness of God, who can't be seen. He is first, and He is over all of creation. All things were created by Him. He created everything that can be seen and everything that can't be seen. He created kings, powers, rulers and authorities.

Everything was created by Him and for Him. Before anything was created, He was already there. He holds everything together."

Genesis 1:2 says the Holy Spirit was involved as well: "The earth didn't have any shape. And it was empty. Darkness was over the surface of the ocean. At that time, the ocean covered the earth. The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

This question might come from a genuine seeker who has a legitimate question about Christianity. Quite often, this is a false, "gotcha" type question thrown out there to cast doubt on the deity of Jesus Christ. The answer to the question is: "Trinity."

The early church came up with the word "Trinity" to describe the three "persons" in the God-head and the three roles each "person" assumes in creative and redemptive history. The word Trinity is used as a combination of Tri- and Unity, emphasizing the three "persons" and at the same time the Unity of the three. All of true Christianity affirms that there is "One God in three persons."

All non-Christian religions deny the Trinity. Some so-called Christian sects deny it as well. Jehovah's Witness and Mormon come to mind. The concept of the Trinity is unique to Christianity. Although the word does not explicitly stated in Scripture, the idea is there.

Matthew 28:19 is the most well-known verse regarding Trinity: "So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

This statement by Jesus, otherwise known as the Great Commission is one of the most quoted in Protestant Evangelical Christianity. Jesus equates Himself with God and the Holy Spirit. He gives all of their Names equal footing in the task of world evangelization.

Affirmation of the Trinity is the bedrock of Christianity. Depart from it at your own risk.