By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction
The doctrine of Christ’s divinity stands as the cornerstone of Christian theology. One of the most profound attributes of divinity, acknowledged across the Abrahamic faiths, is the power of creation. In this scholarly article, I examine both the Quranic and Biblical attestations to Jesus’ creative power, revealing how the unique ascription of creative authority to Jesus in both scriptures is a compelling testament to His divine identity.
Allah's Question in the Quran: The Creator vs. the Non-Creator
The Quran itself raises a profound rhetorical question concerning the distinction between the Creator and those who do not create:
Quran 16:17:
"Is then He Who creates like one who does not create? Will you not then take heed?"
Here, Allah challenges the reader: Is it possible to equate the Creator with the created? The Qur'anic context makes clear that the power to create is a defining attribute of God, an exclusive prerogative that distinguishes the Divine from all creatures.
Jesus’ Creative Acts in the Quran
The Quran attributes creative acts to Isa (Jesus) that mirror those ascribed to God in the Old Testament:
Quran 3:49:
"And [Isa, Jesus] will be a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say]: 'Indeed, I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I will create for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, then I will breathe into it and it will become a bird by Allah’s permission. I heal those born blind and the lepers, and I give life to the dead by Allah’s permission…'"
This passage outlines a series of miracles performed by Jesus:
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Creating a living bird from clay by breathing into it,
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Healing the blind and lepers,
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Raising the dead.
It is significant to note that the act of forming a living creature from clay, then imparting life by breath, directly echoes the Genesis creation narrative:
Genesis 2:7:
"Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
Thus, both the Bible and the Quran attribute the creative act—especially breathing life into clay—as the unique prerogative of God, now performed by Jesus.
The Meaning of "By Allah’s Permission"
Muslim apologists often argue that the phrase "by Allah’s permission" (bi-idhni Allah) demotes Jesus to the status of a mere servant or prophet. However, theologically, the concept of "permission" or "authority" does not negate inherent power. In Johannine theology, Jesus Himself emphasizes a similar relational dynamic:
John 5:30:
"I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge…"
Here, Jesus expresses voluntary submission to the Father, not lack of divine power. The self-humbling of Christ—kenosis (Philippians 2:6-8)—demonstrates His willingness to operate within the limitations of human flesh, without divesting Himself of His divine essence. Likewise, Jesus’ miracles, performed "by permission," reflect His incarnational humility rather than an absence of deity.
The Pre-Existence and Divine Authority of Jesus
John's Gospel explicitly asserts the divine creative role of the Logos (the Word), identified with Jesus:
John 1:1-3:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made."
This passage leaves no doubt that Jesus is the Agent of creation, co-equal and consubstantial with God the Father. This creative power is not borrowed, but intrinsic.
The Quranic Dilemma: Creator vs. Non-Creator
Returning to the Quranic principle:
Quran 16:17:
"Is then He Who creates like one who does not create?"
The Quranic argument is unequivocal: Only God creates. Therefore, if Jesus creates, as the Quran itself testifies, He partakes in the divine essence and prerogative. The Quran, in attempting to honor Jesus as a prophet, inadvertently confesses His divine creative power—an attribute exclusive to God alone.
Conclusion: Jesus as the Divine Creator
Both the Bible and the Quran, when read without apologetic prejudice, bear witness to the divine creative power of Jesus. The Quran’s testimony that Jesus creates life from clay and imparts the breath of life mirrors the Genesis account of God’s unique creative act. The New Testament reveals this same Jesus as the eternal Word through whom all things were made. No mere prophet, angel, or creature can claim the power to create ex nihilo or impart life—such power belongs to God alone.
Therefore, the only consistent theological conclusion, based on the evidence from both scriptures, is that Jesus is God the Creator, worthy of worship and honor.
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
References
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The Holy Bible, Genesis 2:7; John 1:1-3; John 5:30; Philippians 2:6-8
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The Quran, Surah 3:49; 15:28; 16:17; 22:5
This article is freely distributable in its original form. For scholarly citation and educational use only.
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