In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.1
What beginning is being alluded to here? When was “the beginning” first mentioned? Note, Genesis is about beginnings. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. . . And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.2 What is the relevance of the Word? By observation the object (he, him) seems to be a person. And God said, . . . .3
The Word Is Jesus. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.4 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”5 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. . . .6 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.7
The Word Is Truth. ”I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.8 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.9
Scripture Is God’s Word. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.10 Paul reasoned from Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead. . . .11
The Word Builds Faith. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.12
And without faith it is impossible to please [God], for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.13
The Word Saves. I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, . . . For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith the faith . . .14
The Word Sanctifies and Cleanses. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.15 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself. . . .16
The Word Creates New Life. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.17 And this is eternal life, that they know [the Father] the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.18
“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know the truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. . . . I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”19 AMEN!
Notes:
1. John 1:1-3
2. Genesis 1:1-2
3. Genesis 1:3
4. John 1:14
5. John 8:58
6. Hebrews 1:1-4
7. Proverbs 8:17
8. John 14:6
9. 2 Timothy 3:3-4
10. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
11. Acts 17:2-4
12. Romans 10:17
13. Hebrews 11:6
14. Romans 1:16-17
15. John 17:17
16. John 15:3-6
17. John 1:4-5
18. John 17:3
19. John 17:6-26
