IS JESUS CHRIST GOD
In the last part (part 2), we promised to dissect the Bible verses misinterpreted to build the dogma of Jesus (the Son and the Messiah) being God (the father and creator).
John 1:1 is a perfect ensample (this seems to be used more often).
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
We were taught to perceive this scripture this way: “In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God.”
While it is true that Jesus is the word of God, it is important to know that he didn’t exist as a person with the Father from the beginning. He existed in God’s mind. That’s what John 1:1 says.
In John 1:1, the Greek word for the word ‘WORD’ is ‘logos.’ In the beginning was the logos, and the logos was with God, and the logos was God.
Now, ‘logos’ doesn’t directly mean Jesus as a person. The logos (with context fully considered) refers to a thought, concept(s), plan, intent(ion), idea, motive, and reason(ing).
So, in the beginning, God had a plan for mankind. God had a thought for mankind. God had something in mind for mankind. God had an intention for mankind. God reasoned how he will fashion mankind. God had a concept in mind; a faultless idea on how to make man. Jesus Christ was the picture in his mind (a man in his image and likeness, and the channel through which the sinful world will be redeemed/restored).
Colossians 1:15 describes Jesus as the firstborn (in Greek, the prototokos) of all creation.
When God was creating the entire mankind, his intention was for all humanity to be like Jesus. Jesus Christ is the plan of God for humanity. He is the firstborn of all creation. He’s the blueprint of God in creation. He’s the prototype of mankind.
Ever met or read about an inventor and his invention(s)? Firstly, he gathered ideas for the product that came to his mind. After meeting all necessary requirements for the production/manufacture of his product, he made the first of his invention; the original, the very first of that product and a sample for the production of others. Many others are then produced, with the first in mind. The first becomes the prototype for other subsequent products.
A written piece typed and printed out is a clearer example. That same original copy can then be photocopied, to produce many more copies of the first copy which was the model/sample.
In the mind of God, Jesus was the first to be created. The intention of God was/is for every other man to be like him. This was/is the message of John in John 1:1. Let’s go further to the latter part of John 1:1 (…and the Word was God).
‘God’ (in John 1:1) was translated from the Greek word ‘theos,’ a word with uncertain affinity. It can be applied in diverse/myriad ways. Theos could mean [is used for] a god, a goddess, a judge/magistrate, the only and true God (Yahweh), something or someone that resembles God, a representative of God, any deity or divine being, the things of God, his counsels, interests, and things due to him. The Word theos can be used for both God almighty and for prominent humans or divine beings generally or the things of God. The origin of the word is of uncertain affinity. The context in which it is used in the scriptures therefore determines which meaning applies.
In John 1:1, John wasn’t saying Jesus Christ is God (Yahweh). John was saying the logos of God (the content of the mind of God, the thought of God, the plan of God for humanity) was with God from the beginning, and that this logos was God (Theos). The plan was divine (Theos). The plan was God’s interest and counsel; it was of God. The logos was theos (divine).
This is John 1:1 paraphrased:
In the beginning was God’s intent and plan for humanity, and this plan/thought/arrangement/intent was with God, and it was divine; it was of God.
The word ‘Theos’ is used for another bible verse misinterpreted to indicate that Jesus is God.
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
The entire explanation(s) given above applies to the word ‘God’ (theos) in the scripture above. It was therefore not saying Jesus is God, but rather describing the manifestation of the divine plan of God as flesh (human, mortal).
In subsequent parts, we will return to this scripture. There’s a lot more to say on 1 Timothy 3:16.
At this juncture, we must close the curtains for today. In our next part, we will treat the verses after John 1:1 (John 1:2-5) and also, John 1:14).
See you in our next part.
Note: The Bible is our only source of truth. Everything already said and that will be said in this series has the backing of scriptures (rightly divided). Feel free to study personally or do your personal findings to ascertain the authenticity of all that this series presents. Do yourself good by checking the Greek and Hebrew meaning of words in the scriptures (the Bible wasn’t written in English. It was translated by interpreters to English). Also remember to put context first.
Light shines.
© SonsHub Media | Written By Fredrick Agaga
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Agaga Fredrick Abangji is a writer, reporter, content writer, believer in Jesus Christ, and a creator of religious literature. A student of Bingham university – Nasarawa state, studying mass communication.
