John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
I started trying to do a word study on the names of Jesus - as found in the bible, and quickly realized that it could take a really long time. Some scholars have claimed to have found over 700 unique references to Jesus, although I'll have to take their word for it. In just a very brief time, I have come across a whole lot. From time to time, I may try to tackle a few here and there. One of my favorite passages popped into view and so I wanted to read and study this for a while. I've heard it said before that if you substitute the word JESUS for THE WORD, then it can also be understood in a whole new way. Try it:
John 1:1 In the beginning was (JESUS), and (JESUS) was with God, and (JESUS) was God. 2 (JESUS) was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through (JESUS), and without (JESUS) nothing was made that was made. 4 In (JESUS) was life, and (JESUS) was the light of men. 5 And (JESUS) shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of (JESUS), that all through him might believe. 8 He was not (JESUS), but was sent to bear witness of (JESUS). 9 (JESUS) was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 (JESUS) was in the world, and the world was made through (JESUS), and the world did not know (JESUS). 11 (JESUS) came to His own, and His own did not receive (JESUS). 12 But as many as received (JESUS), to them (JESUS) gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in (JESUS) name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And (JESUS) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld (JESUS) glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Woah! That's pretty cool. It really helps me to understand this passage easier. Imagine, Jesus was there - with God during the creation! Notice again, back in verses 1 and also in 14 that Jesus was the word of God - and that he lived among us. The word of God lived among us. The Word was God, and lived among us - Matt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Think about it further and deeper. The Word of God came to live with us. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. And then also Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. So then, in Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Sum it up - Jesus is the Word of God. Jesus came to the world and we should receive him, and we should believe Him, and we should have faith in Him. Our faith comes from hearing His words, and His words are found no where else but the Bible.
Favorite passage of scripture, at least at this point. Can't help but think of Colossians 1:15-20, and Hebrews 1:1-4. Not only was Jesus there at creation, he was the CREATOR (All things were created by him and for him). John 1, Colossians 1, and Hebrews 1 all tell us that he was the creator, and he is the one that sustains it until this very day. He is LITERALLY, according to scripture, the GLUE THAT HOLDS THE UNIVERSE TOGETHER! The one concept the scientists can't grasp is what holds the universe together. They have no explanation whatsoever, and they even admit it. We know the answer is one they will never discover.
ReplyDeleteKerry again...
Ephesians 3:9 the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;
ReplyDelete1 John 1:1 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ."
ReplyDeleteFurther proof that Jesus was from the beginning, and was witnessed by the apostles, and was taught to the world through the bible. If someone claims to want further proof - then here it is. We have many witnesses who saw Jesus, and tell us of their accounts with Him, so that just like they, we too may believe.