The Nature of Christ Perfectly Similar and Equal to that of the Eternal Father
J. F. Denham. John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.… 1. This subject yields m importance to none. The views we take of it will influence those we take of all other doctrines, and must terminate in results which affect God's glory. 2. Our state of mind should be one of perfect neutrality. The slightest prepossession is incompatible with the love of truth. 3. The language of the Scriptures must be taken in its obvious signification, just as the Jews took John 10:30; John 15:13. 4. Should this doctrine be clearly taught, no difficulty can affect its certainty or ought to affect our faith. 5. The lines of proof are five. (1) Divine names are given to Christ. (2) Divine attributes are ascribed to Him. (3) Divine works are wrought by Him. (4) Divine relations are sustained by Him. (5) Divine worship is demanded by and paid to Him. The line suggested by our text is the first. I. Christ is called JEHOVAH (John 12:37; cf. Isaiah 6:1-10). II. GOD (Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:8). III. GREAT GOD (Titus 2:3). IV. TRUE GOD (1 John 5:20). V. MIGHTY GOD (Isaiah 9:6). VI. GOD OF ISRAEL (Exodus 24:9, 10; Psalm 68:17, 18; Ephesians 4:8). In reference to these instances: 1. Has any other received such appellations. 2. Compare these appellations with the religious state of the Jews at the time of Christ. They were strict monotheists, as were Christ and the apostles. If, therefore, it was intended to convey the idea of Christ's Divinity, no better terms could have been used; but if to convey the idea that He was a mere man, they are totally misleading. 3. Compare these appellations with the state of the Pagan world. They were idolaters, and Christ's design and that of His apostles was to deliver them from idolatry. A strange method was employed if Christ were a mere creature. 4. Examine whether events have justified the notion which the prophets gave if Christ be not God. It was predicted that He should utterly abolish idols, and has He not done so? 5. The supposition that the Deity of Christ was taught by the Saviour and His apostles will alone enable us to account for His rejection.Conclusion: 1. Is the Deity of Christ a doctrine of Scripture? Then how is the accuracy of His precepts ratified? How entire the proof of their conformity to the will of God! 2. Is the Saviour possessed of a Divine nature? How absolutely, therefore, is He able to scrutinize our professions of His gospel! 3. The same truth also invites the utmost confidence in His declarations of mercy and offers of pardon. (J. F. Denham.) Parallel Verses KJV: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. WEB: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.