We see in this most famous of verses in John some of the most important insights on the person and deity of Jesus Christ.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God
(John 1:1)
What can we learn about “the Word”?
In this first verse of the Gospel of John, we find out that the Word is…
- Pre-existent.
- Co-existent.
- Self-Existent.
Logos
The word translated “word” is “logos”. There is so much depth to this word “logos”. The word is used 45 times in the Gospel of John. It is a word about revelation. A word is revealed when it is spoken. A word communicates and describes. It was by the Word of the Lord that the World was made. This divine “Word”, this Logos, was God in the beginning, and is God revealed to mankind.
Deity
From this text we learn about the deity of Jesus Christ. Verse 14 tells us the “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” This is the in-context textual basis for the person being described here as “the Word” being Jesus.
Pre-existence
“In the beginning” as the first three words of the book echoes the beginning of the Pentateuch, Genesis. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. For time to begin, something outside of time, something eternal, must begin it. In Genesis 1:1 we know this to be God. He already existed before His creation. He is outside of it. He is the source of it. In John 1:1, the same is said of the Word. As God pre-existed Creation, so the Word pre-existed “the beginning.”
Notice that the verb “was” is translated twice in verse 1. The Word already existed and was present at the beginning.
Trinity
Another truth seen in this text is evidence of the trinity. The Word is with God and is God at the same time. Being referred to as God and not part of God indicates what the Bible teaches in regard to the Trinity. The Word is God. There is only one God. The Word is with God, as the Father, Spirit, and Son have all enjoyed perfect fellowship from eternity past. This is truism that is indicated in Genesis 1-2. “The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” “And God said ‘Let us make man in our image…'”
What are some of the implications of such a truth?
- Jesus is God. He is in charge. I should revere Him, worship Him.
- Jesus is eternal. He knows everything from beginning to end.
- Jesus, Father, and Spirit are complete in themselves. They have everything they need in themselves. They do not need creation.
That there was a beginning of existence and a beginning of me is sheer grace!
Application Questions:
- How can these truths impact your worship today?
- How does this impact your view of Christ’s authority?