What does John 1:1 teach about the Word's deity and eternal existence?
John 1:1 teaches that the Word existed in the beginning, was with God from eternity past, and was God. The capitalized term 'Word' denotes deity, identifying the Word as a person of the triune Godhead. This affirms both eternal existence and full deity, using the same 'beginning' language as Genesis.
Les explains that John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, deliberately uses the same 'in the beginning' language Moses used. John does not say 20 million years ago or 10,000 years ago; he simply says 'in the beginning.' The Word is capitalized, marking it as a term of deity. The Word was with God from eternity past, and the Word was God, a person of the triune Godhead. Les notes that some cults deny Jesus was God, but that contradicts the book.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Was the Word God according to John 1:1?
Yes. John 1:1 declares that in the beginning the Word was already existing, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The capitalized title indicates deity, identifying the Word as a person of the triune Godhead, not a created being.
Is the Word a person in the Trinity?
Yes. John 1:1 presents the Word as capitalized, a term of deity, and as a person of the triune Godhead. The Word was with God from eternity past, and the Word was God. Thus the Word is not an impersonal force but a divine person within the triune Godhead.
More Questions
Is the Word in John 1:1 a person or a force?
Les explains that John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, uses the same 'in the beginning' language as Moses in Genesis. In John 1:1, the capitalized 'Word' is a term of deity—a person of the triune Godhead who was with God from eternity past and was God. Les notes that some cults deny Jesus is God, but that denial flies in the face of the book.
Why is 'Word' capitalized in John 1:1?
In John 1:1 the word 'Word' is capitalized, and the capitalization marks it as a term of deity.