Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: Word of Life

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Word of Life" is a profound designation for Jesus Christ, encapsulating His divine nature and His role in the eternal plan of salvation. This title is primarily derived from the writings of the Apostle John, who emphasizes the preexistence, incarnation, and life-giving power of Christ.

Scriptural Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the title "Word of Life" is found in 1 John 1:1-2 : "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life— and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us."

In this passage, John testifies to the tangible reality of Jesus Christ, the "Word of life," who was with the Father from the beginning and was manifested to humanity. The use of "Word" (Greek: Logos) connects to the opening of John's Gospel, where Jesus is described as the eternal Logos, who was with God and was God (John 1:1).

Theological Significance

The title "Word of Life" underscores several key theological truths about Christ:

1. Preexistence and Divinity: As the "Word," Jesus is not a created being but the eternal Son of God, coexistent with the Father. This affirms His divinity and His active role in creation and revelation.

2. Incarnation: The "Word of Life" became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This incarnation is central to the Christian faith, as it signifies God's intimate involvement with His creation and His willingness to enter human history to accomplish redemption.

3. Life-Giving Power: Jesus, as the "Word of Life," is the source of both physical and spiritual life. In John 6:63 , Jesus declares, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." This highlights His role in imparting eternal life to those who believe in Him.

4. Revelation of God: As the "Word," Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. He embodies the truth and grace of God, making the invisible God known to us (John 1:18).

Christological Implications

The title "Word of Life" invites believers to recognize Jesus as the essential and ultimate communication of God's love and purpose. It calls for a response of faith, acknowledging Him as the source of eternal life and the one through whom we have fellowship with the Father. The apostolic witness, as seen in 1 John, serves as a foundation for the Church's proclamation of the Gospel, affirming that in Christ, the eternal life of God is made accessible to all who believe.

Practical Application

For Christians, embracing Jesus as the "Word of Life" means living in the light of His teachings and allowing His life-giving presence to transform every aspect of their lives. It involves a commitment to sharing this life with others, bearing witness to the truth that in Christ, the fullness of life is found.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 1:1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked on, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... What gentle
characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in vain. ...
/.../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 ...
... Though there is a countless number of names which can be ... the title Logos (Word),
and repeat that Christ alone is ... as in the case of the other titles, search out ...
/.../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. ... But when for
works of peace he comes,. What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. ... 5 But
when for works of peace he comes, What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.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

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... Thus too, we have an Advocate, [3673] Jesus Christ, not indeed prostrating Himself
for us before the ... Of the other titles, some are evidently names of His ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.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

On Christ.
... He is called by many different names, according to ... Truth and the Resurrection: for
all these titles are derived ... the language of Paul regarding Christ, where He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on christ.htm