Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: Word

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Word" ascribed to Christ is a profound and significant designation found primarily in the writings of the Apostle John. This title encapsulates the essence, divinity, and preexistence of Christ, serving as a foundational concept in Christian theology.

Biblical References

The most direct reference to Christ as the "Word" is found in the opening verses of the Gospel of John. John 1:1-3 states: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage establishes the eternal nature of Christ, affirming His divinity and active role in creation.

Further in John 1:14 , the incarnation of the Word is revealed: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Here, the Word is identified with Jesus Christ, who took on human form to dwell among humanity, revealing the glory and truth of God.

Theological Significance

The title "Word" (Greek: Logos) carries deep theological implications. In the context of Hellenistic philosophy, "Logos" was understood as the rational principle that governs the universe. By using this term, John communicates to both Jewish and Gentile audiences that Christ is the divine reason and creative order behind all existence.

For Jewish readers, the concept of the "Word" would resonate with the Old Testament understanding of God's word as a powerful, creative force. In Genesis 1, God speaks creation into existence, and in the prophetic literature, His word accomplishes His purposes (Isaiah 55:11). Thus, identifying Christ as the "Word" underscores His role as the divine agent of creation and revelation.

Christ as Revelation

As the "Word," Christ is the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Hebrews 1:1-2 affirms this by stating: "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe." Christ, as the Word, is the full and final communication of God's nature and will.

Preexistence and Incarnation

The title "Word" also emphasizes the preexistence of Christ. Before His incarnation, He existed eternally with the Father, participating in the divine essence and activity. This preexistence is crucial for understanding the incarnation, where the eternal Word took on human flesh to accomplish the work of redemption.

Conclusion

The title "Word" is a rich and multifaceted designation for Christ, encapsulating His divinity, creative power, and role as the ultimate revelation of God. Through this title, believers are invited to contemplate the mystery of the incarnation and the profound truth that in Christ, the eternal God has made Himself known to humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 5:7
The weak man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steps down before me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. With cheerful voice I sing.
The titles of my Lord,. And borrow all the names. Of honor from his word: ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... I consider the things that are said about Christ, even by ... there is a countless number
of names which can ... remember them, they declare that these titles are not ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... LM The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ['Tis from the treasures
of his word. I borrow titles for my Lord; Nor art nor nature can supply. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures.
1 ['Tis from the treasures of his word I borrow titles for my Lord? ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm

Names and Titles of the Antichrist
... It is only as we make a careful study of the various and numerous names and titles
of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are in a position to appreciate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/names and titles of the.htm

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... The harlot is the heart of a sinner, who has
left her heavenly husband, that is, Christ, and brings forth adulterous ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to the hearts of those ... Just
for a few moments think of some of the familiar titles and names of that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Proof of the Catholic Sense of the Word Son. Power, Word or Reason ...
... but if He be less than the names, yet He ... and of the generation from the Father these
titles are tokens ... And again, There is one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iv proof of the catholic.htm

Verbal Inspiration
... Such titles are the Most High, the Almighty, the God of ... same is true in connection
with the names of our ... some passages He is referred to as Christ, in others ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... hesitate to slander God from His own titles; and so ... first might claim as His all
the names which followed ... might imagine that in what followed Christ was spoken ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv he produces testimonies.htm