Bible Study - Priceless (3) - Saved by GOD'S Son - John 1:1-18

Bible Study – Priceless (3) – Saved by GOD’S Son – December 20, 2015

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Priceless: Finding Your Value in GOD.”

Our focus scripture is John 1:1-5, 9-14.

JESUS came to earth to rescue us.

In studying for this lesson, I was intrigued with the Apostle John’s use of “Word” for JESUS. “Word” carries the idea of communication and power. JESUS is part of the Trinity – GOD, The Father, JESUS, The Son and The Holy Spirit. JESUS existed with GOD and was GOD. JESUS created all things. JESUS is Light. JESUS/GOD spoke and things began to happen. JESUS/GOD communicates with mankind through the things HE has created and HIS Spirit but the ultimate communicator is CHRIST. Why?

Because, HE left HIS home in Glory and willingly came to earth to experience human life and to give that life for the remission of sins to all who will place their faith in HIM.

In studying this lesson and while pondering, “what did it mean for JESUS to come to earth and experience life as a human?” Now, this is just a thought for you to ponder, JESUS told HIS disciples that HE was going to prepare a place for them. Did JESUS’ time upon earth, as a human, yet GOD, give HIM insight regarding the need to make heaven more suitable for those who place their faith in HIM to live eternally in heaven? I know some are saying, “Have you lost your mind?” Maybe! Keep in mind that JESUS is the creator of all things. Did, by experiencing human life, give HIM a different perspective for eternal life in the Spiritual body HE will fashion for us in heaven?

JESUS not only communicated Spiritually but in the flesh. JESUS was flesh, bones, blood, water and Spirit. HE left HIS home in Glory to dwell among us as 100% human. The proof that HE was 100% human is in the fact that HE gave HIS human life for all who will place their faith in HIM. As further proof that HE was Who HE said HE was is based upon the fact that GOD, His Father, raised HIM from the dead and gave HIM HIS Glorified body. All who have placed their faith in CHRIST will receive their Glorified bodies when HE returns to earth for the second time. JESUS had to trust the Father to restore HIS eternal life. The resurrection of CHRIST revealed the power of the Father over death and to restore the human body after physical death to eternal life. JESUS was the firstfruits reflecting the power of GOD over eternal death, when the penalty for sin was paid in full.

JESUS being referred to as “Word” or “Logos” reflects HIS mission along with GOD’S mission of revealing light and truth to every human in ways humans can understand and be led to a point of decision to either accept or reject CHRIST as their Savior. The Holy Spirit is very much a part of this effort leading up to and beyond salvation from sin and eternal death. GOD will place every stumbling block in front of a person to guide him or her to accept CHRIST as his or her Savior. But ultimately the decision is up to each individual. A person cannot get into GOD’S family by his or her parents being a Christian, doing good or joining a church or many other things dreamed up. CHRIST in you makes you a Christian through the miracle of rebirth in your spirit.

The “Word” communicates with you in the depths of your heart which the Apostle Paul refers to as the “eyes of your heart.” The “Word” transcends all other forms of communication. It is clear, understandable and a knowing in the most secret place. It is the place where no one else can communicate with you. So listen up as JESUS speaks to you, not only to lead you to salvation but if you are already a Christian, to lead you into a deeper relationship with HIM through understanding and obedience. But be mindful that Satan will appeal to your flesh and confuse you with questions, doubts or anything that will prevent you from accepting and acknowledging CHRIST as your Savior. Let’s explore!

Let’s read John 1:1-5:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

As already discussed, the “Word” is JESUS. “In the beginning was the Word (JESUS).” JESUS already existed before “the beginning,” JESUS was and JESUS is 100% GOD. JESUS was not a created being. “The beginning” indicates a beginning of time. The world began at a time but GOD, JESUS and The Holy Spirit had no beginning. They always have been and always will be.

When Moses asked GOD to give him HIS name, HE said “I AM.”  

Exodus 3:14: (GOD was speaking to Moses)

14 God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you." [“I AM” can also be translated – Or “I AM because I AM or I Will Be Who I Will Be.” To me that is total supremacy.

Let’s fast forward to what JESUS had to say about HIS existence before HIS birth as a human as recorded in John 17:1-5:

1 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You, 

2 for You gave Him authority over all flesh; so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him. 

3 This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent-Jesus Christ. 

4 I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. 

5 Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with that glory I had with You before the world existed.

Although JESUS was 100% human, HE recalled HIS presence with HIS Father in heaven. Once we encounter the One True Living GOD through faith in CHRIST, Christians never forget it and neither does GOD. Once GOD’S child: always GOD’S child.

Let’s explore “Word” A little further. As mentioned “Word” is a translation of the word “logos,” which both the Hebrews and the Greeks knew and understood. The Stoic philosophers considered “logos” as a rational principle that governs the universe.

The Apostle John walked with JESUS and knew the reality of JESUS in both the flesh, HIS resurrected Glorified Body, HIS ascension into heaven and by the confirming and assuring presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit after Pentecost. The Apostle John did not have to resort to being philosophical. He knew the truth. Do you know the truth? Accept CHRIST as your Savior and you will be indwelled by truth.  

2 He was with God in the beginning. 

This can be translated “The Word was face to face with GOD.” HE was intimate with GOD such that the two are one.  

3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. 

4 Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. 

Life, both physical and Spiritual, are sourced in CHRIST, as well as, eternal life.

In Genesis 3:24: (After Adam and Eve sinned)

24 He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

The cherubim were might angels of GOD. Dr. William Hendriksen wrote on page 70, in his New Testament Commentary, ISBN: 0-8010-4051-5, “As Philo sees it, these Cherubim are two divine potencies: God’s loving-kindness and His sovereignty. The sword is the Logos or Reason which unites the two.” CHRIST is the flaming sword through which all must gain entrance to GOD and Heaven. Caution, this is an allegory espoused by the philosopher Philo of Alexander.

5 That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. 

JESUS is the third part of the trinity. HE is the light of the world. HE is truth and in HIM there is no darkness. Nothing is hidden. HE is truth. HE is the promised Messiah. Truth and Light equals CHRIST. Caution: Satan can masquerade as an angel of light.  He is a liar and the father of lies.

JESUS is the source of light therefore darkness cannot overcome light. Light rules the darkness. We must walk in the light and toward the light. When we are in total darkness, the tiniest ray of light guides us to the source of that light.  

My young son and I have been spelunking – exploring caves and we spent the night in a cave. In a cave you can experience total darkness and your light source is vital.

I recall that we were scaling a wall, with a 10-15 foot drop with jaggered rocks below. I was going around a corner on the wall and thought that would not be a good time for my light to go out but it did. I panicked for a few seconds, when the person behind me came around a previous sharp corner and his light gave me enough light for me to see where I needed to place my hands and feet to make it to safety.

There are times when we are in dark times and we need the light of others to help us through dark times.  

Let’s read John 1:6-13:

6 There was a man named John who was sent from God.

This John is John the Baptist. John the Baptizer was the forerunner or the herald who announced the Messiah. In Bible times, a forerunner ran ahead of the king to alert the people that the king was coming so they could prepare for his arrival. John the Baptist announced the arrival of the promised Messiah, The King of King’s.  

7 He (John the Baptist) came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 

8 He (John the Baptist) was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 

9 The true light (JESUS), who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 

As we discussed earlier, the light communicates – JESUS entered the world to represent GOD and HIS love for all who will place their faith in HIS Only Son, JESUS.

10 He (JESUS) was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 

JESUS came in the flesh and dwelled in the physical world HE created, yet the worldly minded people did not make the connection. Many were expecting a physical conqueror, not One Who would bring eternal salvation that would transcend anything the physical had to offer.

11 He (JESUS) came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. 

JESUS came first to the Jews. The Jews for the most part did not see HIM as the promised Messiah. They wanted a deliverer from Roman rule. But those who did receive HIM receive something of eternal value.

12 But to all who did receive Him (JESUS), He (JESUS) gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, 

13 who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. 

It is only through faith in JESUS that anyone can be born into GOD’S family. Through the miracle of rebirth, Christians are born into GOD’S family and are HIS children for eternity.

Keep in mind what was written regarding the cherubim: GOD’S loving-kindness and HIS sovereignty. GOD’S love compels HIM to give every human the opportunity for eternal life with HIM, through faith in JESUS but HIS sovereignty restrains HIM from making it carte banc. It takes a decision. Have you made that decision? If not, why not right now? Satan says wait but eternity is only a heartbeat away. Do it now!

Let’s read John 1:14:

14 The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

GOD had a plan. Some Bible scholars and teachers say this is the most important verse in the entire Bible.

JESUS, The Word, became flesh. HE was born a human and lived as a human and was tempted as humans are tempted, yet without sin. As proof that HE was human, HE died. HE gave HIS life that all that place their faith in HIM will have eternal life through the miracle of rebirth into GOD’S family. GOD raised HIM from the physically dead to receive HIS Glorified body. JESUS is the hope of all mankind. Not a single person will leave earth without dying physically. Eternity waits.

JESUS was full of grace and truth. Grace is GOD’S unmerited favor. No human can earn grace, it is a free gift and it comes from GOD who loves you. Satan wants every person to feel unworthy but GOD’S grace leads us to truth and helps us to abide in truth, regardless of the angry waves surrounding us.

For those seeking to have a personal relationship with CHRIST, they must go toward the light of CHRIST. CHRIST loved you so much that HE gave HIS life for you. “Ask and it will be given to you, Seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) This includes Christians who desire to walk in the Spirit but have sinned and feel that they are not worthy of GOD’S love. Don’t let Satan rob you by believing that lie. You are precious to GOD and The Lord JESUS. Ask HIM to forgive you and restore you to full fellowship with HIM – as HIS Child.

Let's read John 1:15-18: 

15 (John (John the Baptist) testified concerning Him and exclaimed, "This was the One of whom I said, 'The One coming after me has surpassed me, because He existed before me.' ") 

16 Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, 

17 for although the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 

The personality of the law reflects the love of GOD and CHRIST.

18 No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son- the One who is at the Father's side - He has revealed Him.

Do you recall the teaching of JESUS in John 14:6-14?

6 Jesus told him (HIS Disciple Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

JESUS is the gate keeper. Please your faith in JESUS and enter into HIS presence with praise, thanksgiving, gratitude and receive eternal salvation.

Jesus Reveals the Father

7 "If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him." 

This is not to just know about but to “Know.” A Christian’s journey is to get to know CHRIST in an intimate loving way and to build a trusting relationship.

8 "Lord," said Philip, "show us the Father, and that's enough for us." 

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 

10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works.

11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Christians reflect that light to all who live in darkness. We must let the light of CHRIST be reflected from our lives to others with whom we come in contact. Are we living such that others desire what we have in CHRIST? So live in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit! Blessings!!!