STUDY #1—JOHN 1:1-14

Read 1:1-14.

John 1: 1-14

1. What is John referring to when he speaks of the "Word" in verses 1-3 and 14? (Seel John 1:1-3.)

2. Why do you think He is described as the Word?
Note: The function of a word is to transmit an idea. I say "pencil" and you know what I mean. I say "God" and what comes to your mind? From where did you get this concept of God? Jesus Christ is the "word" for God. (See John 1:18.)

I am limited to the range of my five senses. Could God exist beyond them? Of course. If He remained beyond them, knowing Him would be an impossibility. Before I can know Him, He must take the initiative and give us the "Word." This is the claim made here about Jesus.

3. What are some qualities you see attributed to the Word in verses 1-5 and 14?

4. In verses 4-9, light is used as another analogy to describe Christ. What, to you, are some implications of this analogy? (See 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:35,36.)

5. John 1:9 says every person is illuminated by Christ. In what sense do you think John means this?

Note: All people are created by Him. All have life from Him. But man has abandoned this source of life and has fallen into darkness. There are still traces in man of his noble origin, but they are merely the remains of what he once was. What does remain


What does remain is
A certain God-consciousness—
An innate sense of morality—These two elements explain the existence of religions and philosophies: Life is in Him. We understand life—our own and others'—by coming to the Light.

6. According to John 1.11-13, how does one enter God's family? Note: It does not happen through
• heredity
• self-effort
• the efforts of another (pastor, priest, etc.) Only God can give life.

7 What do you think it means to "receive Christ"? Note: In 1:12, "receive" and "believe" are synonymous. In 3:36, the opposite of believing is rebellion against God—not accepting His authority over our lives. What do you conclude from this? Believe implies submission. (See Revelation 3:20.)