IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 1:1-14
Key Verse: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Supporting Texts: Genesis 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17, Revelation 19:13, Psalm 33:6
INTRODUCTION
The Gospel according to John begins with a profound revelation about the identity of Jesus Christ. Unlike other Gospel writers who begin with the genealogy or birth of Jesus, John takes us back to eternity to establish who Christ truly is. He introduces Him as “the Word”, showing that Christ existed before creation and possesses the very nature of God.
The phrase “In the beginning” immediately reminds us of the opening words of Genesis. It teaches that Jesus Christ was present before the foundation of the world and participated in the creation of everything that exists. This declaration confirms that Christ is not merely a prophet, teacher, or messenger, but the eternal God Himself.
For believers, understanding Jesus as the Word is deeply significant. The Word represents God’s ultimate revelation, power, and communication to humanity. Through Christ, God reveals His character, His love, and His plan of redemption. When we receive the Word, we receive life, light, and divine direction for our lives.
1. THE WORD IS ETERNAL
The Word existed before the beginning of time and is not limited by creation. This truth establishes the eternal nature of Jesus Christ and confirms that He existed long before the world began.
a) The Word existed before creation (John 1:1)
The scripture clearly declares that the Word already existed “in the beginning.” Before time, space, or matter came into existence, Christ already was. His existence is eternal and independent of creation.
b) The Word is not a created being (Colossians 1:16-17)
All things were created through Christ and for Him. Since everything that exists was created by Him, it proves that He Himself cannot be part of creation but is the Creator.
c) The Word remains unchanging through all ages (Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His eternal nature means that His power, promises, and character never change.
d) The Word will exist forever (Revelation 22:13)
Christ calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. This declaration confirms His eternal authority and everlasting existence.
Biblical Example:
Melchizedek, who appeared in Scripture without recorded genealogy or end, symbolises the eternal priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 7:1-3).
2. THE WORD IS DIVINE
John emphasises that the Word is not only eternal but also fully God. Jesus possesses the same divine nature as the Father and shares in the glory of the Godhead.
a) The Word was with God (John 1:1)
This phrase reveals the close fellowship and relationship between the Word and God the Father. It shows that the Word existed in perfect unity with God from eternity.
b) The Word was God (John 1:1)
John plainly declares the deity of Christ. This statement confirms that Jesus is not merely divine-like but is truly God.
c) The Word reveals the invisible God (John 1:18)
No one has seen God at any time, but Jesus has revealed Him. Through Christ, humanity can understand the nature, love, and power of God.
d) The Word carries divine authority (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus proclaimed that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, demonstrating His divine sovereignty.
Biblical Example:
When Thomas saw the resurrected Christ, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God,” openly acknowledging the deity of Jesus (John 20:28).
3. THE WORD IS THE CREATOR
The Word was actively involved in the creation of the universe. Everything visible and invisible came into existence through Him.
a) Creation came through the Word (John 1:3)
The Bible teaches that all things were made through Him. Without Christ, nothing that exists today would have come into being.
b) The Word spoke the universe into existence (Psalm 33:6)
The heavens were made by the Word of the Lord. God’s spoken Word released creative power that formed the universe.
c) The Word sustains all creation (Hebrews 1:3)
Christ upholds all things by the word of His power. The universe continues to exist because of His sustaining authority.
d) Creation reveals the glory of the Word (Romans 1:20)
The invisible attributes of God are clearly seen in the things that have been made, demonstrating His divine power.
Biblical Example:
At the beginning of creation, God said, “Let there be light,” and light appeared immediately, showing the creative authority of His Word (Genesis 1:3).
4. THE WORD BECAME FLESH
The greatest mystery of the Gospel is that the eternal Word took human form and came to dwell among humanity.
a) The Word took human form (John 1:14)
The eternal Word became flesh and lived among men. This shows the humility and love of Christ in identifying with humanity.
b) The Word revealed God’s glory (John 1:14)
Through the life of Jesus, the glory of God was manifested. His works, teachings, and miracles displayed divine power.
c) The Word came to bring salvation (John 3:16-17)
Jesus came into the world not to condemn the world but to save it. His mission was to redeem humanity from sin.
d) The Word brought grace and truth (John 1:17)
While the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, bringing forgiveness and restoration.
Biblical Example:
The birth of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Emmanuel, meaning “God with us,” demonstrating that God Himself came to dwell among humanity (Matthew 1:23).
CONCLUSION
The statement “In the beginning was the Word” reveals the eternal nature, divine identity, and creative authority of Jesus Christ. He existed before creation, shares the nature of God, and is the source of life and light to humanity. Through Him, the invisible God is revealed and the plan of salvation is fulfilled.
As believers, we must recognise the authority of the Word and allow it to guide our lives. When we receive Christ and walk according to His Word, we experience transformation, spiritual growth, and divine direction. The Word that created the universe is powerful enough to transform our lives today.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for revealing Jesus Christ as the eternal Word who brings life and salvation, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to honour and obey the authority of Your Word in every area of my life, in Jesus name.
3. Father, let the transforming power of Your Word bring renewal and restoration to my life, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, open my understanding to receive deeper revelations from Your Word daily, in Jesus name.
5. Father, let Your Word dwell richly in my heart and guide my decisions, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, remove every doubt and unbelief in my life concerning the truth of Your Word, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let the creative power of Your Word bring new beginnings into every area of my life, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let Your Word bring light into every dark situation surrounding my life, in Jesus name.
9. Father, empower me to live according to the truth and principles of Your Word daily, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life continually reflect the power and glory of Your living Word, in Jesus name.
