What is the meaning of John 1:1? In the beginning “In the beginning” (John 1:1) reaches back before Genesis 1:1, declaring that the Word already existed. • Eternal reality: Before anything was created, the Word was present (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2). • Outside time: Creation has a starting point; the Word does not (Colossians 1:17; Revelation 22:13). • Foundation of revelation: Just as creation begins with God, redemption begins with the Word who predates everything (Hebrews 1:10). The phrase secures our confidence that Jesus did not become divine—He always was. was the Word “was the Word” identifies a specific Person. • Personal, not abstract: The Word is later said to become flesh (John 1:14), showing He is Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:13). • Communicating God: Through the Word, God speaks and makes Himself known (Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 John 1:1-2). • Creative Agent: All things were made through Him (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Because He is the Word, every promise and command of God is embodied in Christ. and the Word was with God “was with God” portrays intimate fellowship. • Distinction within Deity: The Word is not the Father, yet shares His presence (John 17:5). • Face-to-face relationship: Perfect communion exists eternally (Proverbs 8:30; 1 John 1:2). • Basis for the Trinity: One God, yet more than one Person (John 16:28). This clarifies that Jesus is neither a created being nor an impersonal force; He is a distinct divine Person abiding eternally with the Father. and the Word was God Here the sentence reaches its apex: the Word shares the very nature of God. • Full deity affirmed: Jesus is “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8). • Worship warranted: Thomas’s confession “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) is appropriate and true. • Salvation secured: Only God can redeem; because the Word is God, His atoning work is sufficient (Romans 9:5). Every attribute of God—holiness, power, love, eternity—is fully possessed by the Word. summary John 1:1 presents a single, seamless truth: before time began, the eternal Word existed; He is Jesus Christ. He is personally distinct, eternally in fellowship with the Father, and fully God Himself. These four brief phrases ground our understanding of creation, revelation, redemption, and worship, calling us to trust and adore the Lord Jesus, the eternal Word who is God. |
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