In The Beginning Was The Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5

Scripture Notes

There is a nice feeling at the beginning of a new year. Old relationships and projects are regulated to the previous year, while the days before us have new potential and opportunity. John 1:1 is a good place to start as we embark on another year, season, term, and phase of life.

We are immediately introduced to the Word (Jesus), who was present at the very beginning. He was not a bystander or curled up in some sort of pre-evolutionary form. He was not only present; the verse suggests he always was and always will be. The Word was present and active in the creation of the universe.

It is important to remember the three distinctions John is sharing with us. These distinctions are:

In The Beginning, Was the Word:

He existed before creation. He was never created, has no beginning, and no genealogy to explain his origin. He simply is, was, and will be.

The Word Was With God:

He had a distinct identity and personality. He was a real person, not some vague idea or random manifestation.

The Word Was God:

He not only dwelt with God, but he is God. Not the God or a god. He is God.

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

Genesis 2:4

The second account of creation in chapter two reads that the Lord God, or ‘Yahweh,’ was the creator. He was present at the beginning, brought light into the world, and made man in his own image. It is through him that the earth was made. Nothing can be separated from his handiwork, for he is the Creator.

Someone might ask, what about the bad things and the evil occurrences in this world? We must remember that sin and its consequences cause the heartache of this world, not His creation. When God was finished with creation, he saw all that he had made, and it was very good. It wasn’t until deception and disobedience caused the fall of humankind that we began to read about pain, toil, and separation.

We read that the Word was life and that life was the light of all mankind. He not only literally brought light into the world during creation but also is the bringer of light to save our souls. He is the source of light. When we are born, we enter into a physical life. When we are born again, we enter into a spiritual life. Both originate with Jesus Christ.

Although having a one-on-one relationship with Christ is a profound experience, John tells us that Jesus is the light of all mankind. He did not come to save only the individual but the whole world, his creation. The One, the only one who can bring us together, is Christ. The Creator of each of us is the creator of all and the Savior for all.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Forever, there is hope in our Savior, who overcame the darkness of death and was brought back to life. As the source of life, death could not claim Him. When Christ entered the world, many could not recognize him. They could not understand the light He brought because they had been covered in darkness for too long. How much more difficult is it for people to recognize the light now, centuries later, and without the physical presence of Christ? If people would not believe when staring into the face of the Redeemer, then how much more difficult is it for people to recognize his presence now?

The Word was in the beginning, is with us now in the present, and sits next to God the Father. Many people mistake existence for living, but Jesus Christ is calling us to a deeper purpose. Once we understand the liberty he brings, albeit with personal sacrifice, we enter a life full of light led by our Creator. Our journey does not end upon death, for we who have followed the Light will know heaven and be redeemed.