Jesus Christ as the Eternal Word in Theology
Jesus Christ is identified as the "Word" (Greek: Logos) in the writings of John, a title that underscores His divine nature and role as the revealer of God [1]. This concept is most prominently articulated in John 1:1-14, where the Word is described as being "in the beginning," "with God," and "was God" [1]. Through this Word, all things were created [1, 3].
The designation of Christ as the Eternal Word emphasizes His pre-existence and co-equality with God the Father [1, 3]. As the Word, Christ is the ultimate expression and communication of God to humanity [1]. John 1:18 states, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" [1]. This highlights Christ's office as the one who makes God known [1].
The eternal nature of Christ as the Word is affirmed throughout scripture. He is described as "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever" [4]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, interprets this verse in Hebrews 13:8 as expressive of Christ's duration, extending beyond His earthly ministry to ancient times and eternity itself [6]. Gill also connects the "Word of the Lord" in Psalm 9:6, which "shall endure for ever," to Christ, the essential Word of God, emphasizing His unchangeable and eternal nature [7]. Similarly, the "word of the Lord" that "endureth for ever" in 1 Peter 1:25 is identified with the Gospel preached by the apostles, further linking Christ, the eternal Word, with the enduring message of salvation [5, 11].
The unchangeableness of Christ, the Son of God, is a foundational aspect of Christian doctrine, as He is co-equal with God Himself [10]. This eternal Word is also understood as the "foundation of God" that "standeth sure," a reference to the enduring faith that is of God's operation and supported by His power [9]. The manifestation of this eternal Word, whether understood as Christ Himself or the Gospel message, occurred "in due times" through the ministry of the apostles [8]. The glory given to God in the church is "by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end" [2].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Word, The — (Gr. Logos), one of the titles of our Lord, found only in the writings of John (John 1:1-14; 1 John 1:1; Rev. 19:13). As such, Christ is the revealer of God. His office is to make God known. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:18). This title designates the divine nature of Christ. As the Word, he "was in the beginning" and "became flesh." "The Word was with God " and "was God," and was the Creator of all things (comp. Ps. 33: 6; 107:20; 119:89; 147:18; Isa. 40:8).”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 3:21 (KJV) — Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 13:8 (Rotherham) — Jesus Christ, yesterday, and to-day, is the same,—and unto the ages.”
- I Peter “I Peter 1:25 (KJV) — But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. Who is the substance of the word spoken by the above mentioned rulers, the author and object of their faith, and the end in which their conversation terminated. These words may be expressive of the duration of Christ: he was "yesterday", which does not design the day immediately foregoing, nor some little time past, but ancient times, formerly, of old; and though it does not extend to eternity, which is true of Christ, yet may be carried further than to the days of his flesh here on earth, even to the whole O”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 9:6: But the Lord shall endure for ever,.... When antichrist is entirely ruined, his cities destroyed, and the memorial of them perished, then "shall the Lord sit for ever" (g), as the words may be rendered; that is, as a Jewish writer (h) paraphrases them, in rest and quiet. The words may be expressive of the unchangeableness and eternity and power of God; the Chaldee paraphrase of them is, , "the Word of the Lord is for ever; his habitation is in the highest heavens". And they may very well be interpreted of Christ, the essential Word of God, who is the unchangeable, ever”
- Titus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Titus 1:3: But hath in due times manifested his word,.... Either Christ, his essential Word; or the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation; or rather his word of promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus: through preaching; through the ministry of the word by the apostles; in which Christ is revealed in the glory of his person, and the fulness of his grace, and in the efficacy of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; and in which the Gospel, that was ordained before the world was, and is the fellowship of the mystery which was hid in God, is published; and in which the promise ”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:19: Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure,.... That faith, which is the faith of God's elect, is of the operation of God, and is the gift of his grace, and of which Christ is the author and finisher, is firm and immovable as a foundation; it is solid and substantial; it is the substance of things hoped for; and it is permanent and abiding; it stands sure, being supported by the power of God, and prevalent mediation of Jesus Christ; and so cannot be overthrown by false teachers, when an historical faith, or the faith of temporary believers may: or the doctri”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 1:19: Proof of the unchangeableness of the doctrine from the unchangeableness of the subject of it, namely, Jesus Christ. He is called "the Son of God" to show the impossibility of change in One who is co-equal with God himself (compare Sa1 15:29; Mal 3:6). by me . . . Silvanus and Timotheus--The Son of God, though preached by different preachers, was one and the same, unchangeable. Silvanus is contracted into Silas (Act 15:22; compare Pe1 5:12). in him was yea--Greek, "is made yea in Him"; that is, our preaching of the Son of God is confirmed as ”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 1:25: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever,.... Though men die, and ministers of the word too, and everything in the world is uncertain, unstable, fleeting, and passing away, and whatever change has been in the ordinances of divine service; yet the word of the Lord, the Gospel of Christ, is settled for ever, and will never pass away: and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you; this is the apostle's application of the passage in Isaiah, showing that the word of the Lord there is the same with the Gospel preached by him, and the other apostles, at ”