The Eternal, Divine, and Life-Giving Nature of Jesus Christ
Introduction
John 1:1 is one of the most profound and foundational verses in the Bible. It says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” If you’ve ever wondered what this means in simple, everyday language, let’s break it down together and explore its meaning and significance.
What Does “The Word” Mean?
When John talks about “the Word,” he uses the Greek term “Logos,” which goes much deeper than just spoken words. In ancient times, “Logos” was understood to mean the ultimate wisdom, logic, or reason behind everything in the universe. For Jewish readers, it connected to the idea of God’s creative word that brought the world into existence. For Greeks, it meant the rational principle that holds everything together.
So, when John says “the Word,” he’s talking about a divine, eternal being who is the source of all wisdom, power, and life—the one who makes sense of everything and holds it all together.
“In the Beginning”—Before Everything
John starts his gospel not with Bethlehem or the birth of Jesus, but with eternity itself. “In the beginning” echoes the very first verse of Genesis: “In the beginning, God created…” This tells us that the Word existed before anything else—before time, before space, before creation. The Word wasn’t created; He simply always was.
“The Word Was With God”—A Close Connection
John doesn’t just say the Word existed; he says the Word was “with God.” This shows a close, personal relationship—almost like two friends or family members deeply connected. There was real communication, love, and fellowship between the Word and God. The Word wasn’t just an idea or force; He was a person in the closest relationship imaginable with God.
“The Word Was God”—True Deity
Here’s the heart of the verse: “The Word was God.” John isn’t saying the Word was just like God or similar to God—he’s saying the Word shared the same nature as God Himself. The Word is fully, truly, and eternally God. This is a bold statement, making clear that the Word is not part of creation, but the Creator Himself.
The Word as Creator
In the following verses, John makes it clear that everything that exists was made through the Word. Nothing came into being without Him. The Word is the one who brought life, light, and order to the world. That means Jesus isn’t just a wise teacher or prophet—He is the very source of life itself, the one who gives light to everyone.
The Word Revealed—Jesus Christ
John later reveals that this eternal Word became flesh and lived among us as Jesus Christ (John 1:14). This is known as the Incarnation: God became human, so we could see and know Him in a way we never could before. Jesus is not just someone who talked about God; He is God Himself, showing us what God’s love, grace, and truth look like in real life.
Why Is This Important?
· Foundation of Faith: John 1:1 tells us that Jesus is eternal, divine, and the Creator. Our faith is built on the understanding that He has the authority to offer eternal life and transform us.
· Source of Life and Light: Jesus is the one who gives us true life—spiritual life, purpose, and meaning. He is the light that guides us out of darkness, confusion, and sin.
· God’s Nearness: Because the Word became flesh, God is not distant or unreachable. He came close to us, lived among us, and showed us who He truly is.
· Invitation to Relationship: John’s gospel goes on to say that anyone who receives Jesus and believes in Him becomes a child of God. It’s not about earning or deserving—it’s about trusting and welcoming Him into our lives.
Conclusion
John 1:1 isn’t just a theological statement—it’s a life-changing truth. It tells us that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word, fully God, present before creation, and the one who made everything. He came into our world so we could know God personally, receive life and light, and become children of God through faith. In simple terms, this verse is the foundation of Christian hope: God loves us so much that He didn’t stay distant; He came close, bringing grace, truth, and eternal life for all who believe.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
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