Introduction: Who Is Jesus Christ?
One of the most profound truths of the Christian faith is the divinity of Jesus Christ. This truth is powerfully revealed in John 1:1, which states:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This single verse unveils a deep revelation about the nature of Jesus – His eternity, His identity, and His oneness with God. To understand who Jesus truly is, we must first understand the Word.
The Word Before Time Began
John introduces us to a beginning that is beyond time. This “beginning” is not the same as the one described in Genesis chapter 1. While Genesis speaks of the beginning of creation, John speaks of the beginning of eternity – a time when nothing existed except God Himself.
The Word existed before anything was created. Therefore, the Word is uncreated and eternal. This confirms that Genesis 1 is not the beginning of God, but the beginning of everything God created. The Word, as revealed in John 1, is the Creator Himself.
Two Beginnings, One Eternal Word
In John 1:1–2, we encounter two beginnings:
- The eternal beginning – where the Word already existed with God.
- The beginning of creation – described in Genesis, where all created things came into existence.
The Word is not part of creation; rather, He is the beginning that began every beginning. Everything that exists finds its origin in Him.
The Word Was With God and Was God
John makes a striking statement: “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This reveals a mystery – distinction without separation.
The Word exists with God, yet He fully possesses the nature of God. He is not a lesser being or a fragment of divinity. Instead, the Word carries the totality of God’s essence. When the Word operates outside of God, God does not diminish. When He returns, God does not increase. This reveals the self-existing, self-sufficient nature of God.
The Word is fully God – eternal, powerful, glorious, and divine.
The Meaning of “Logos”
The term translated as “Word” in John 1 is the Greek word “Logos.”
Logos means logic, reason, or principle – the intelligence behind an action.
This means the Word is the divine logic behind everything God does. He is the expression, wisdom, and creative power of God in action.
As Scripture says:
“He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” — Psalm 107:20
Creator, Life-Giver, and Light of Men
John further reveals that all things were made by the Word, and nothing exists apart from Him. He is the source of all creation and the essence of life itself.
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
This light shines in darkness, and darkness cannot comprehend or overcome it. The Word is the foundation of creation, the chief cornerstone upon which everything stands.
The Word Became Flesh
The greatest revelation of all is found in John 1:14 – the eternal Word took on human form.
The Word entered the womb of a woman, clothed Himself in flesh, and lived among humanity as Jesus Christ. Through Him, we saw the true nature and character of God.
This truth is beautifully summarized in 1 Timothy 3:16:
“Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh…”
Jesus Christ is God revealed in human form.
Jesus Christ: God Stepping Into Humanity
Jesus is God stepping out of eternity to accomplish what only God could do – the salvation of mankind. The same Word through whom all things were created is the same person who was nailed to the cross.
He is the Lord of all, who became the servant of all, so humanity could be redeemed and reconciled to God.
Did God Die on the Cross?
A common question arises: If Jesus is truly God, how could He die?
The answer lies in divine revelation. Jesus did not cease to exist. Rather, He temporarily laid aside one form to operate in another, just as He stepped out of eternity to enter time. Through His human body, He fulfilled the work of redemption, while remaining eternally God.
Conclusion: The Revelation of God in Christ
Jesus Christ is not merely a prophet, teacher, or messenger. He is the eternal Word, the uncreated Creator, God manifested in flesh.
This is the revelation of God in man – the divinity of Jesus Christ.
