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Recently, the deity of Christ has come under increasing attack. The world denies it and, at best, describes Christ as merely a good moral teacher, an example to follow.

The professing Church of Jesus Christ gives verbal assent to Christ's deity, but contradicts it in practice. For example, many Church leaders relegate Him to the world’s description. They exclude Christ from their teaching, life style, and Lordship, effectively denying His deity.

In addition, they distort His deity. They make Him a created deity instead of a begotten deity. Other Church leaders split Him into two different persons, one divine, and one human. In the attempt to dismiss the whole problem, some even deny the necessity of His deity.

These false conclusions arise for more than one reason. For some, they result from ignorance. Others deny His deity deliberately. Regardless of its form, these false conclusions result from unbelief.

Consequently, the Church/Christians suffer the judgment of God. The Church suffers spiritual immaturity. It offends a holy God, Who withdraws the fulness of His glorious presence in judgment for sin.

Further, we trample on the person and work of Jesus Christ and the gospel. We quench and grieve the Holy Spirit and limit His work.

To overcome the current spiritual condition and to experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit requires us to seek His work and ministry in our lives. We must examine the Scriptures for God's ways and judgments about Christ’s deity and seek the power of the Holy Spirit to conform our thoughts, words, and actions to this truth.

Our text, found in John 1.1-5, provides two clear truths about the Christ’s deity. I pray that the Holy Spirit will use them to enlighten, edify, encourage, and embolden you in your walk with Christ.

Divine name (John 1.1, 14)

First, it reveals the divine name of Christ, the Word. “The Word” denotes the express name and power of God. It makes known Christ's equality with God, His plan, purpose, wisdom, and counsel.

He is God's Word to mankind. The Word (Christ) declares God to humanity. God spoke by Him, and He declared God's will to mankind.

The Scriptures leave no doubt as to the identity of the Word. For example, verse 14 of John 1 explains that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, identifying Christ as the Word. Further, Matthew 17.5 and Hebrews 1.2 confirm Jesus as God's Son, the Word.

The divine name of Jesus confirms His deity. No one but Christ could fulfill the requirements and implications of this royal title, the Word.

Divine nature (John 1.2-5)

Second, our text proves the divine nature of Jesus Christ. He existed before His incarnation. In fact, Jesus existed before the start of creation, which He made. Further, it shows His existence before time. Note the phrase, “…in the beginning…” . In fact, the text declares Christ's eternal existence (v. 2). Jesus Himself affirmed His eternal existence (John 8.58), and Scripture abundantly confirms it (Proverbs 8.23; Isaiah 9.6; Micah 5.2; 1 John 1.1).

In addition, we see in the text Christ's equality with God (v.1-2, 14). It shows it in three ways. He was with God in the beginning, He was God, and He was begotten of God.

He is of the same essence as God. He shares a unity in nature with God. Other Biblical references confirm Christ's equality with God (Philippians 2.5-8; 1 John 1.2). Without question, Jesus possesses God's nature.

Further, our text reveals the extent of His power as divine. Specifically, Jesus Christ created all things, visible and invisible. Not only did He create them, He gave physical life to every living thing, because He is the source of life. Then, too, He gave spiritual life to mankind. Scripture provides abundant confirmation of the truth of John 1 (Isaiah 40.12, 28; 41.4; Colossians 1.16; Hebrews 1.10).

Clearly, the Bible validates the deity of Jesus Christ, His divine name and divine nature prove Him as no mere mortal. The deity of Christ reveals the wonder of His person. With two natures, human and divine, this God-man qualifies as the true, complete Savior of sinners.

His deity discloses His love, grace, and mercy. Further, it shows the worthiness of our faith and obedience toward Christ. He alone is worthy of not only our faith and obedience, but our worship, too.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will come to you today and apply these truths in your life, to the praise and glory of Jesus Christ. May He use them to revive you in your Christian experience.