I'm starting the gospel of John in my daily Bible reading plan. I thought it would be a good idea to share my readings to help those who are not familiar with Christian faith understand more of what it is about. The gospel of John consists of 21 chapters. Each chapter is broken down into verses. So when you see John 1:1-4 that means the Book of John, chapter 1 verse 1 through verse 4. The book of John is written by the apostle John, one of the 3 closest people to Jesus while on earth. It is also called the gospel of John because it is a narrative of the life and sayings of Jesus. The three other narratives of Christ's life, Matthew, Mark and Luke are also referred to as gospels. They are called gospels because the coming of Jesus is said to be good news!
John 1:1-4
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
The apostle John starts out his book talking about the "Word". The Word has always been with God, distinct from God, but also is God. We know that John is talking about Jesus because later in the chapter he tells us so. This eternal Word "became flesh" (verse 14) and is revealed to be Jesus Christ (verse 17), the only-begotten Son of God (verse 18).
The Christian Church has always taught that God is trinity. The word trinity is not in the Bible, but the concept behind the word is. This is what is being taught here. God (the Father) is distinguished from the Word (Jesus the Son of God) but both are called God. Other places in the Bible refer to the Holy Spirit as separate from the Father and Son but also called God.
Christianity holds as its most basic tenet that Jesus is in truth more than a man, the eternal Word and Son of God who was with God the Father from all eternity and who with the Father created all things and who became man in time.
The apostle John spent 3 years with Jesus. He saw his miracles. He saw him heal the blind, make the lame walk, raise the dead, walk on water, turn water into wine. He heard his words and his teaching which were unlike any other. He was with him on the mountain when He appeared with Moses and Elijah in glory and God descended in a cloud and with a loud voice said, "This is my beloved Son". He saw him crucified and rise from the dead on the third day. He saw him ascend into heaven. And later in life, he was caught up to heaven and saw Jesus glorified as Lord Almighty. No wonder he said in another writing:
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
We who are Christians believe this testimony and find joy given to our hearts!
John
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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