John begins his Gospel with the same words that begin Genesis. He uses the phrase “in the beginning” to show that Jesus was there with God and as God at creation. John systematically lays out the nature of Jesus:
1. Jesus is “the Word”
Jesus is the public declaration (“Word”) of the mind, will, nature, and character of God (John 1:18). The concept of “Word” shows the Trinity in that God the Father ordains salvation, and God the Son declares (“the Word”) that salvation to the World and purchases this salvation with His sinless life, substitutionary death, and bodily resurrection. We will see later in John’s Gospel that the Spirit applies this salvation by convicting men and bringing them to Christ (John 16:7-15).
2. Jesus has always existed
Jesus predates time. Before anything existed, Jesus Christ simply was. Like the Great “I Am” that spoke to Moses, Jesus has always been as the “I Am” (John 8:58). He predates creation therefore He is not created, born, or made. The idea of “born,” “begotten,” or “Son of God” simply shows that He has proceeded out from God as the Second Member of the Trinity from eternity past. It does not show that there was time when Jesus did not exist and then came into existence.
3. Jesus has always existed with God
As an Eternal Being, Jesus has always been with God. This continues to develop the mystery of the Trinity. Jesus is separate from God, but, as we will see, Jesus is God. Jesus is the Eternal Son, without beginning or end.
4. Jesus is God
Jesus has always existed as God. Jesus was not simply a god or equal in status with God. Jesus is, has always been, and will always be God. To see Jesus is to see God (John 14:8-9). Again this is the mystery of the Trinity. Jesus is separate and distinct from God, yet Jesus is the One and Only “I Am,” the Eternal God.
Application:
The concept of the Trinity should lead us to worship. God transcends us in every way!
Jesus is to be worshipped, adored, praised, prayed to, and glorified because He is God.
Salvation can only be accomplished by God. Jesus was able to accomplish our salvation because He is God.
New Life is only found in faith in the Deity of Christ. He proved His eternal Godhood by His power over sin, death, and the Devil through His sinless life, death, and resurrection. We must repent of our sin, and believe in the Son of God if we are to have life (John 3:36).
0 Comments