The Deity of Christ
John 1:1-2

Lesson 1

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points
1. The Word is eternal.

2. The Word is a distinct person.

3. The Word is fully God.

practical application
Don’t be fooled by the Jehovah Witness interpretation of John 1:1.

questions
1. Who was the author of the gospel of John? When was it written? From where was it written? What other books of the Bible did this author write?

2. Three other gospels were already written. Why, then, was John written?

3. Why does the author refer to Christ as “the Word”?

4. Review the three doctrinal points.

5. What is the Jehovah Witness interpretation of John 1:1?

answers
1. John, the Apostle, the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” Circa 85-90 AD, from Ephesus. John also wrote 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation.

2. Each gospel emphasizes a different aspect of the person and work of Christ. John’s theme is Christ as the Son of God, whose genealogy goes back to eternity.

3. The Greek word for “Word,” is Logos. This would communicate both to Jews and Greeks. The Lord Jesus was the visible expression of God, and He revealed God to us – Who He is and what He is like.

4.
a) The Word is eternal: the pre-existence of the Word is taught here. The Word did not begin at Bethlehem
b) The Word is a distinct person:  God is a Trinity of three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is one in essence or substance
c) The Word is fully God: “In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9

5. Their translation reads that Jesus was “a” god, because they believe that Jesus is not fully God. They say that there is no article used in the Greek language except when the phrase should be translated as “God.” But this is not true. For example, there is no article before “There was a man sent from God…” (John 1:6). Colossians 2:9 is a strong argument against this erroneous translation.

 

discuss / consider
1. Assume that you are approached by a Jehovah Witness who says that Jesus is a god, but not fully God. Prepare your answer, and rehearse it with a friend. If you are in a Bible study, share your answer with the group.

2. Review the theme of each of the four gospels.

challenge
Are you fully convinced that the Word is eternal, a distinct person, and fully God? Could you give a clear statement on each of these descriptions of the Word?

 

memorize

• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” John 1:1-2