Does Colossians 1:16 teach that Jesus created the universe?

The "Iglesia Ni Cristo" teaches that Jesus is not God. However, verses such such as Colossians 1:16 seem to teach that Jesus created the universe. Does Colossians 1:16 teach that Jesus created the universe?

Colossians 1:16 (ESV) - 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.

When we look at the verse and its surrounding context, we see that it does indeed teach that he created the universe.

The verse clearly teaches that everything was created by him.

This verse clearly teaches that Jesus created all things! When it says all things, both things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, etc., it really means all things! There is not any created thing that Jesus did not create!

Jesus cannot be a created being because he cannot be created through himself.

If Jesus were a created being, then this verse would be saying that he was created through himself. How could Jesus be created through himself? It is clear that this verse is referring to a creation that he is not a part of. Therefore, he cannot be created, but must have pre-existed.

"Through" does not mean that Jesus was passive in creation.

The INC may argue that the word "through" means that Jesus was passive in creation, but the word "through" means no such thing. Instead, we see that Jesus created the world. Such a claim from the INC requires serious biblical support, of which the INC has none.

If Jesus worked as a mediator, he was still a creator.

The INC often argues that this verse cannot mean that Jesus created because "through" implies the work of a mediator, not a primary mover. Trinitarians believe that both the Father and the Son participated in the act of creation, so Trinitarians are not opposed to the idea that they worked together with the Son willingly submitting to the Father.

However, this explanation from the INC still makes Jesus a participant in creation! If he worked as a mediator, he is still a creator! When the INC uses this argument the INC must reject the earlier argument that Jesus is not the creator. They cannot argue both points consistently.

If Jesus created the world, he must also be God.

Isaiah 44:24 (ESV) - 24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,

It is God and God alone who created the world. If Jesus participated in any way in creation, then he must be God.

Conclusion

Colossians 1:16 clearly teaches that Jesus created the universe. It proclaims the pre-existence and deity of Christ. The INC rejects the plain teaching of scripture when they twist this verse and say it does not mean that Jesus is the creator.