The Word of Life
A Testament to the Reality of Jesus Christ
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The First Epistle of John chapter 1 verses 1-2 and the Gospel of John chapter 1 verses 1-5 and 14, both written by John, offer complementary perspectives on the tangible reality of Jesus Christ. They serve as powerful testaments to His existence and nature.
The Word of Life was Audibly Heard
John begins his epistle by stating, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard." Hearing is a firsthand sensory experience that confirms reality. In the Gospel of John chapter 1 verse 1, it's stated, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Both passages confirm the eternal existence of Jesus and draw attention to the fact that He was heard and interacted with.
The Word of Life was Physically Seen
John affirms in his epistle, "which we have seen with our eyes." This is corroborated in the Gospel of John chapter 1 verse 14, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Seeing Jesus confirms His physical existence and divine nature.
The Word of Life was Intently Studied
Although John's epistle doesn't specifically say Jesus was studied, the very fact that John and the other disciples followed Him and listened to His teachings suggests a close examination of His life. In the Gospel of John, for instance, the disciples are often depicted contemplating Jesus' teachings, such as in John chapter 6 where He is described as the Bread of Life.
The Word of Life was Tangibly Touched
John in his epistle mentions, "our hands have handled, of the Word of life." In the Gospel of John chapter 20, Jesus invites Thomas to touch Him, to handle and examine His resurrected body, declaring, "be not faithless, but believing." Touching is a form of confirming physical reality, paralleling the notion of the "Word made flesh."
Conclusion: The Word of Life can be Known
Both the First Epistle of John and the Gospel of John collectively make a compelling case for the tangible, knowable nature of Jesus Christ. Through auditory, visual, and tactile experiences, John confirms the living, breathing reality of the Word of God, who is Jesus Christ.
The evidence is overwhelming. Jesus Christ, the Word of Life, is not merely an abstract concept but a reality to be experienced through a life of faith. Your logical next step is a proactive engagement with this reality: through prayer, thorough study of Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. Start this life-changing journey today, obey the sweet simple gospel of Jesus!