Question

In the Nicene Creed we say "…by whom all things were made" referring to Jesus. How can all things be made by Jesus, the historical figure?

Answer

They were not made through Jesus as just the historical figure. Rather, they were made through him as the Son of God (see John 1:3 and Col. 1:15-16). Remember he is not only man but also the one true God (being one person of the Trinity). As the Westminster Confession of Faith says, in another context (chapter 8.7), "…by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person denominated by the other nature." In the case you cite, the Creed, in agreement with Scripture, attributes the creation of all things to him as Jesus as the Son of God and Son of man, two natures in one person.

Hope this clarifies things.