The Eternal Word

Introduction

I want to do a quick word association experiment with you this morning. I’m going to say a word or a phrase and I just want you to just process that word/phrase. Everyone ready?

Christmas.

Puppy.

9/11.

Columbine.

I am Iron Man.

Worship.

It is likely that when I said those words your mind automatically filled with thoughts and maybe even some emotions. Perhaps when I said Christmas, you were immediately taken back to childhood and remembered what Christmas felt like around the tree, or maybe your immediate thought was Mary and Joseph looking for a place to have baby Jesus. I say puppy and you may have thought of holding this cute, squishy, adorable little dog with its cute puppy breath, or maybe you’re feeling mortified because you have such a strong dog allergy. I say 9/11 and for some of you, it’s a date of tragedy that you’ve heard about and read about and maybe have even seen footage over. But some of you were taken back to that day and sadness and fear came flooding back. The same with Columbine. Some of you may be too young to even know about Columbine while others of us remember the terror that came with it. I am Iron Man probably brought you back to 2008 when the first Iron Man came out and started an entire franchise. You can’t help but picture Robert Downey, Jr. in your minds. Worship. Some may be thinking of hands being raised while singing. Others may think of soft music playing while praying.

The point? Words are not just words. The word “davar” is the Hebrew word for “word,” but it also is often translated as “thing, act, or matter.” You see, in Jewish thought, the word “davar” had two distinct aspects to it. Davar/Word had a mindful aspect; it is logic and reason. But there is a dynamic aspect to it as well. It has action. A word has power because it has history. One cannot say 9/11 without bringing the history of 9/11 to the mind and emotions. One cannot say worship without bringing to mind what it looks like, feels like, or sounds like. So in a sense, we know (logic/reason) what these words mean, but we also feel (dynamic aspect) what these words mean as well. We also understand how words act. Someone can put us into a bad mood with just a word, or they can put us in a good mood. People are remembered by their words. We ascribe moral weight to words. Words have started wars and ended them. As Solomon said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

This morning, we are celebrating the first Advent. Advent is a fancy way of saying “coming.” We are celebrating the coming of Jesus the first time and look forward to his second coming—his second Advent. And as we do, we are seeing the Apostle John presenting Jesus as the Word. And as we look at John’s word about The Word, we see it is expressed in three ways. The first is that the Word has a relationship. The second is that the Word has a role. Finally, the Word has a radiance.

The Word has a Relationship

The Word has a Role

The Word has a Radiance

John 1:1–5 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The Word has a Relationship

The first way we see John expressing the Word is through Relationship. The Word has a Relationship with God, and it is complicated.

John 1:1–2 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

Remember the word “davar”? There is this logic/reason but also a dynamic aspect to it. A word makes sense as it is used in a sentence. Again, we all know what a puppy is. Logically we know that a puppy is a baby dog. Still there is the dynamic aspect of what that word does to us internally, emotionally, soul-fully. When John presented Jesus as the Word, he had this same Jewish concept in mind and then personified the Word at he same time. He wasn’t doing anything new here. He was taking his cues from the Old Testament. For instance, as Solomon wrote about Wisdom, he personified it in Proverbs 8:22–23 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” The word for “possessed” could also be translated “fathered.” It comes with the idea is one of begetting. When Eve gave birth to Cain, she used this same word. “I have gotten a man.”

The very Wisdom of God was begotten—not made; not created: begotten.

In Isaiah 55:11 “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” It’s as though God’s Word springs forth from his mouth and travels about doing God’s work, and finally returning from its journey. Thus, the Old Testament gives hints to the Word not only being a thing—an idea—but a person as well.

The Apostle John brings that out in his first sentence of his Gospel Account. The Word was in the beginning. Of course, that ought to cause us to hearken back to Genesis 1:1. Thus, what John pointed out was that when everything was made, the Word already existed. The word “beginning” is a statement of time. We will often mark time by the beginning of something. If you’re running a 5K, time starts when the gun fires. World War I began with the assassination Archduke Ferdinand. We mark time by the beginning of something. Thus, time in its origin, is marked by the beginning of creation. But Moses wrote in Genesis 1:1, that God already existed “in the beginning.” The same goes for John. The Word already existed “in the beginning.” Thus, there is already this relationship between the understanding of who God is and who the Word is. At this point, we know that these two existed before time began.

John wrote as much: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. There is this relationship that John has established. There are two distinct persons that have existed from eternity past (before time began) and they are with one another. But he took it a step farther. The Word was God. This is where understanding Greek is helpful. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned the imperfect tense of a verb. Whatever action the verb describes has not been perfected—completed. It started in the past, but it never is said to have stopped. Thus, if it has not been perfected (completed), it is imperfect (incomplete). When John used the Word “was” he used the imperfect (incomplete) tense. In other words, the Word was and is with God and the Word was and is God. Thus, the relationship that John was pointing out is unique. The Word is God but is also a distinct person with God. And to emphasize the point, John once again brought up that the Word was with God. This then means that everything from this point on—everything from John 1:1-2 must be read in light of this revelation that the Word is God and the Word is with God, always has been; always will be. What Jesus says is what God says. What Jesus does is what God does. How Jesus behaves, thinks, and reacts is how God behaves, thinks, and reacts because they are one and the same and yet also distinct in their personhood.

It’s in this relationship that the Word of God visited this world, not as a information or reason, but in a dynamic, experiential way. He came into this World not only having a relationship with the three persons in the Trinity, but to make relationship with them possible for us as well. He is Emmanuel—God with us.

The Word has a Role

But John not only revealed the Word’s Relationship, but he also revealed his Role. It’s not his only role, mind you, but it is an important role. The Word is the instrument or the agent by which all things were created. If you were to write a letter to someone, what instrument would you use? Probably a pen or pencil. What agent would you use? A mail-carrier. So the Word is the instrument and/or agent by which God used to create.

John 1:3 ESV

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

When John says that all things were made through him, he firstly means that all types of things or all kinds of things were made. Many times we get ourselves into a bit of trouble when we say that everything was made by Jesus or that God created everything. God did not create this building. God did not create cars. Humans did that. Now, certainly nothing is created outside of God’s will, but the agent of creation is humanity. But all that was originally created was created through the agency of the Word.

Thus God the Father created everything originally through or by the Word—God the Son. The Word was distinct and yet worked in and with the Father. And so we see that God using the Word by saying, “Let there be light.” God created light by the Word. Not only did God create light through his word but he named light by his word as well: God called the light Day and the darkness he called Night. It was God through the Word that spoke over creation and not only established its beginning but established its order and ownership.

We can go further in that God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the heavens…and God called the expanse heaven.” And God said, “Let the waters be gathered…and he called the dry land Earth and…the waters he called Seas.”

Sea creatures, bugs, land animals, birds, flowers, plants, trees, and everything that came to be was brought into existence through the Word. He is the agent that brought every original thing into existence. Without the Word—in relation to the Father, nothing would be that is. While the Father is the uncaused Cause, the Word is the uncaused Agent.

Because the Word is the Agent by which all things were created, he is the creator of all life and so John wrote that in him was life. In him was life. It’s part of his being. Life abides in the Word; it lives there. Nothing lives without the Word’s “say so.” By his divine plan—his divine providence and sovereignty—that which lives lives! It lives because he has said, “Let there be life.”

And if we stop and think about it, we see then that Jesus has always been the mediator between God and creation. It was through the Word—through Jesus—that the universe was made and it is through the Word—through Jesus—that the world is reconciled to God. It was through Jesus, God’s Agent, that the world originally came to life and it is through Jesus that those who believe are reborn.

Colossians 1:19–20 ESV

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

John is alluding to as much. This isn’t just a Pauline doctrine. John’s whole point in writing his gospel account is to bring us to this conclusion.

John 20:31 ESV

but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

That life is in his name. In other words, it is in him. It is his power and authority that gives life. All life, whether physical life—every person, in whatever stage of life we like to label them with: zygote, embryo, fetus, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, teenager, young adult, middle age, senior, elderly; every person that has physical life owes their life to the Word for in him is life. But the same goes for spiritual life. Every soul that is saved is saved because in him is life—both physical and spiritual.

And so we see that Jesus is also the enemy of death. In him is life—not death, which is why abortion, murder, suicide, and euthanasia are horrendous atrocities. Death is the enemy and to assist in death is to be at enmity with the Author of life. How can one celebrate the coming of the Author of life and at the same time celebrate a culture that advocates for the death of the most vulnerable? Jesus came in order to put an end to death. The writer of Hebrews wrote,

Hebrews 2:14–15 ESV

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

This is what makes his death—not just his life—so amazing. The very one who has life in him, not only lived, sharing in flesh and blood, but (as Peter put it) the Author of life itself was killed so that we would experience the new life in him. Death is his enemy and death was and will be defeated. It was defeated at the resurrection of Jesus at the rematch when Jesus returns.

1 Corinthians 15:54–57 ESV

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Word has a Radiance

But it is not only that the Word has a Relationship from eternity past. It is not only that the Word has a Role of creating, but also giving and restoring life. But the Word has a Radiance—one like none other. Remember that Jesus is God. And so what is true about God is true about Jesus. And so we find John saying in his first letter,

1 John 1:5 ESV

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Thus, there is no darkness in Jesus whatsoever. Thus, John expounded in his gospel account:

John 1:4–5 ESV

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

In some way, all of life portrays the glory of God, but there is something special about humanity. We have an understanding that no other created thing has.

Genesis 1:26–27 ESV

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

God said—the Word of God—made humans in the image of God. There is a radiance in that life. The light radiates through us as image-bearers. We have reason, creativity, sentience, like no other creature. Just as God through the Word created light outside of humanity with the sun, moon, and stars and so breaking into the darkness so that it cannot overcome the light, so he has created light within us as we are the image of God.

Now here is the problem: humanity has fallen into darkness. This is why we need the Advent of Jesus! As Matthew Henry wrote,

The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This proves him fit to undertake our salvation; for life and light, spiritual and eternal life and light, are the two great things that fallen man, who lies so much under the power of death and darkness, has need of. From whom may we better expect the light of divine revelation than from him who gave us the light of human reason? And if, when God gave us natural life, that life was in his Son, how readily should we receive the gospel-record, that he hath given us eternal life, and that life too is in his Son!

This is important for each one of us to understand. Though God, through the Word, created us with life and light, because of sin we were plunged into death and darkness. But Jesus, in his coming to this world, has come to restore the light in which no darkness can overcome.

But there’s another problem. As humans, we love being in the darkness of sin. And while we hate death, we do everything we can to hasten it. And you may think, that’s not true. Plenty of people eat healthfully, exercise, take supplements. Some even try to figure out how to live immortally through transhumanism. But here is the thing: as Paul wrote, “The wages of sin is death.” Every sin we commit is one more willful step closer to death.

Thus, Jesus comes to lighten our darkness and free us from death, but the reality is that we on our own want no part of it.

John 3:19–20 ESV

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

Why is it that no one wants Christianity in the public forum? Some of it is our own fault as our speech was not gracious or seasoned with salt, but was harsh and judgmental. We need to own that. But more than anything, it is because Christ and his Word exposes the darkness that people love. As Paul wrote,

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 ESV

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

But it is only by the light and the exposing of darkness that life—eternal life—comes. It is why Jesus came and why we celebrate his first Advent and anxiously await his second. Again the next couple of verses from 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 4:5–6 ESV

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, the light has come. As we continue in this series we will continue to see how that light affects us. We’ve seen that this light has a radiance that darkness cannot overcome. As dark as this world may be, Jesus’s light will overcome. Any who put their faith in him will have this light within them so that darkness of our minds and hearts will recede—the Word—not just reason but also experience—enters into us. That derives directly from the Word’s role as the Agent of creation, which comes as a result of his relationship with the Father and himself being God.

We needed his Advent and we need it again. So as we see this one candle of Advent lit, we see it starts small and expels the darkness around. Each week we light another and another and another as the darkness is more and more expelled. This is how the light of Christ works in us as well. Week after week, moment after moment, affliction after affliction, the light of Christ grows within us. As we celebrate Advent and Christmas—the coming of the the Light of the World, may we continuously pray that it would shine brighter in us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

May this Advent be a time in which we expose our darkened thoughts and deeds to your light. May we be so filled with your light that the darkness no longer can overcome us. Let not your light be extinguished. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Light, your Word. Amen.