The Divine Nature of Jesus: The Word and Incarnation

The Trinity is a foundational concept in Christian theology, comprising three distinct persons who are one in essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This article delves into the nature of Jesus before his incarnation, focusing on how he is understood as the Word (Logos) of God and his eternal relationship with the Father. We will explore biblical evidence and interpretations to clarify these points.

Jesus as the Word (Logos)

The Gospel of John opens with the statement, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God' (John 1:1). This foundational verse, often referred to as John 1:1, identifies Jesus, the Son of God, as the pre-existent Word (Logos) of God. According to John, Jesus was not just with God but also was God.

Further evidence is provided in Exodus 3:14, where God's name is given as 'I am who I am.' Jesus states in John 8:58, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am,' echoing this divine statement. This assertion of pre-existence, even before the patriarch Abraham, confirms Jesus' celestial origin and divinity.

The Angel of the Lord

Another intriguing aspect of Jesus' pre-incarnate existence is his appearance as the Angel of the Lord. This divine entity is a manifestation of the second person of the Trinity. In Exodus 3:2-6, Moses encounters the Angel of the Lord, who appears to him in a flaming bush. The text reads, 'Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.'

This occurrence, along with Jesus' claim in John 8:58, suggests a continuity between the pre-incarnate Angel of the Lord and the Incarnate Jesus. This aligns with the belief that Jesus is the same figure revealed throughout the Old and New Testaments.

The Divine Nature of Jesus

It is important to note that while Jesus is considered divine, his nature is unique. Unlike created angels, Jesus is not a created being but rather the Word (Logos) of God, who is co-eternal with the Father. This theological distinction is critical in understanding the nature of Jesus. The New Testament makes clear that Jesus was not an angel but the second person of the Trinity.

Scripture emphasizes Jesus' divinity through his miracles, teachings, and ultimate resurrection. For instance, Mark 2:7 states, 'And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven you.' This divine authority to forgive sins indicates Jesus' divine nature.

Perceptions and Beliefs

The concept of Jesus as divine is not universally accepted. Many Jews reject the idea of Jesus's divinity, which was a significant factor in his crucifixion. According to John 19:7, Pilate's assessment of Jesus was that he was innocent of the charges against him, but he was unable to free him, partly because of the unrest his claim of being the Son of God caused.

Despite historical and scriptural evidence, the belief in the divine nature of Jesus is a matter of faith, and different individuals and communities have varying levels of acceptance and understanding. While some find these claims credible and foundational, others remain skeptical or believe differently.

Conclusion

The nature of Jesus as the Word (Logos) of God and his divine status before his incarnation are central to Christian theology. His divine nature and his role as the second person of the Trinity are supported by scriptural evidence and historical context. Understanding these elements deepens our appreciation of the theological and historical significance of Jesus as the savior of the world.

Keywords: Jesus, Trinity, Incarnation, Divine Nature, Angel