If Jesus was the Word, isn't He God? - That's in the Bible

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses a theological question about Jesus Christ, focusing on his nature as the 'Word' in John 1:1-14. The speaker explains that the 'Word' refers to God's plan or intention, not a pre-existent Christ, and distinguishes Jesus' humanity from divinity. Rejecting the traditional Trinitarian view, the speaker asserts that only the Father is the 'one true God,' and clarifies that the 'Word' was not an eternal being but became flesh in Jesus at the appointed time. The video concludes by reinforcing the Church of Christ's belief in the Father as the sole true God.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus Christ is referred to as the 'Word' in the Book of John, which represents God's plan or thought rather than a preexistent divine being.
• 😀 John 1:1-14 is often cited to support the idea that Jesus was with God from the beginning, but the term 'Word' is used as an expression of God's plan, not as a separate entity.
• 😀 The Roman Catholic Church refers to the 'Word' as an intellectual emanation or thought from the Father, not as a literal preexistent person.
• 😀 The Bible does not teach that Jesus was preexistent with God in a literal sense; rather, it suggests that Christ was God's plan that materialized at the right time.
• 😀 Jesus Christ, though divine, is distinct from God the Father. This distinction is emphasized by Jesus referring to the Father as the 'only true God' in John 17:3.
• 😀 The idea of a Triune God, as in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is not found in the Bible, according to the teachings of the Church of Christ as presented in the video.
• 😀 Jesus' incarnation was the fulfillment of God's eternal plan, not the result of a preexisting divine being coming to earth.
• 😀 The phrase 'the Word was God' in John 1:1 is understood to describe the nature of the Word, not to claim that the Word is God Himself in a literal sense.
• 😀 The word 'God' in the Bible, such as in Genesis 35:11, is described as Almighty, while the Word is also described as powerful but distinct from God in the traditional sense.
• 😀 The concept of the 'Word becoming flesh' in John 1:14 is seen as God's plan coming to life through Jesus, marking His entrance into the world as the Savior.
• 😀 The Bible teaches that eternal life is knowing the Father as the only true God, with Jesus Christ being His sent Son, emphasizing a monotheistic view rather than a Trinitarian one.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the speaker in this video script?

The speaker focuses on explaining the biblical view of Jesus Christ's relationship with God, specifically addressing whether Jesus is divine and preexistent or if he was simply a man, born of Mary. The speaker also critiques the traditional doctrine of the Trinity.

What does the speaker say about the interpretation of John 1:1 and 1:14 regarding Jesus being the Word?

The speaker argues that John 1:1 and 1:14 do not indicate that Jesus was preexistent or divine. Instead, they interpret 'the Word' as God's plan or idea, not a literal person (Jesus) who existed with God from the beginning.

How does the speaker interpret the term 'the Word' used by Apostle John?

The speaker believes that 'the Word' refers to God's plan or idea, not a preexisting Christ. The 'Word' became flesh only at the appointed time when Jesus was born of Mary, fulfilling God's plan.

What does the speaker say about the Catholic Church's explanation of John 1:1?

The speaker quotes a footnote from the Catholic Bible's D-R Confraternity Edition, which states that the term 'the Word' in John 1:1 refers to an intellectual emanation from the Father, rather than a preexistent Christ.

What is the significance of 1 Peter 1:20 in this discussion?

1 Peter 1:20 is used by the speaker to support the idea that Christ had no preexistence but was part of God's plan, which was known before the foundation of the world and became manifest at the right time.

Why does the speaker compare the power of the Word with God's power?

The speaker compares the power of the Word to God's power to highlight that both are all-powerful, but this does not mean the Word itself is God. They emphasize that the Word, like God, is powerful but distinct from God.

What is the speaker's view on the concept of the Godhead and the Trinity?

The speaker rejects the doctrine of the Trinity, stating that the Bible does not support the idea of a Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Instead, they affirm that the Father alone is the one true God, as explicitly stated by Jesus in John 17:3.

How does John 17:1-3 support the speaker's view on the nature of God?

In John 17:1-3, Jesus prays to the Father, acknowledging Him as the 'only true God.' The speaker uses this passage to argue that Jesus did not consider himself part of a triune Godhead but recognized only the Father as the true God.

What does the speaker mean when they say that the Word is 'not void of power'?

The speaker is referencing Luke 1:37, where it is stated that no word from God is void of power. The comparison is made to God Himself, who is all-powerful. The speaker uses this to show that while the Word is powerful, it is not the same as God Himself.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of studying the Bible in understanding these theological concepts?

The speaker encourages viewers to study the Bible to understand the truth about Jesus Christ and God. They believe that the answers to spiritual questions and salvation are found within the scriptures and that the Bible alone provides the definitive guidance on these matters.