jesus and creation

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”

— John 1:1

THE WORD IS GOD AND JESUS

At the beginning of the Gospel of John, the Gospel explains the substance and presence of Jesus. Four critical statements are made that confirm Jesus’s presence, from creation to today. Understanding these four statements helps us understand Jesus’s mission and the substance of God. This Gospel is the last of the four Gospels and was written in the late first century or potentially early in the second century. Its original language was Greek, and in turn it expresses itself in a very philosophical manner.

Many of us have different thoughts about who Jesus is. But in the Gospel of John we find an overarching description of Jesus and the beginning of the explanation of the substance of the Trinity. In four statements at the beginning of this Gospel, the author lays out the relational substance of God and how Jesus fits into this substance. Jesus is the Word and at the same time God. Our understanding of this concept laid out at the beginning of the Gospel of John, opens up a more expansive view of who Jesus is.

“The statement “In the beginning” has a direct connection to Genesis 1:1…”

The first statement, “In the beginning was the Word,” contains two of the four points that support Jesus’s position within the Trinity. The writer uses “Word” to describe Jesus and further asserts that Jesus existed in the beginning. The statement “In the beginning” has a direct connection to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created . . .” From this statement we can conclude that Jesus existed at the beginning of creation and was the creator. 

“Jesus participated in creation, not in an inferior position, but as part of creation.”

The second statement, and the Word was with God,” tells us that Jesus coexisted with God. Jesus participated in creation, not in an inferior position, but as part of creation. In the deep ocean of the divine, the substance of God is partially disclosed. A turning of the covers continues by expressing the partnership and coexistence of Jesus with God. This statement expresses the eternal communion of Jesus with God.

“Jesus is God and God is Jesus.”

The third statement, “and the Word was God,” makes the statement that Jesus was God. This final turning of the covers unveils the reality that Jesus is God and God is Jesus. A body with three substances, when we include the Holy Spirit. An eternal being that works together through creation, the past and the future. Jesus is not defined as a creature independent of God, but is God. 

“Through Jesus, God is revealed to the world.”

The fact is that Jesus is God and not a missionary to mankind. Jesus was an agent of creation and the Alpha and Omega. Through Jesus, God is revealed to the world. Jesus, as son of man, both saves and reveals. This concept of revelation is critical to understanding the Word. Jesus is many things beyond just a redeemer. Jesus existed at the beginning and is God. 

Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman

 

PARTING THOUGHTS

Who is Jesus to us in our lives?

What are our descriptions of God?

Does knowing that Jesus is part of the eternal being change our thoughts?