John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"

How denominations interpret the opening verse of John's Gospel regarding the nature and divinity of the Logos ('Word') and its relationship to God.

Overall consensus80/100

Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

Adventist & Restorationist

Affirms

Affirms divine Logos; Christ as God; foundational to restoration theology

Christian Churches and Churches of Christ affirm the divine nature of the Logos and the divinity of Christ as expressed in John 1:1. This affirmation is foundational to the Restoration Movement's understanding of Christ and is not in dispute within this tradition. Christ is understood as the eternal Word who took flesh and is fully divine. The passage is interpreted in continuity with Trinitarian orthodoxy, though some variation exists within Restoration theology.

The stone-Campbell heritage of Christian Churches emphasizes biblical authority, and John 1:1 is cited as clear Scripture supporting Christ's divinity. This interpretation is standard across most Christian Churches and Churches of Christ congregations.

Key Distinctions

Logos divinity:
Word's incarnation central to understanding Christ's work
Incarnation:
Creation role:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Stone-Campbell Restoration theology
  • Christian Churches biblical commentary
  • Campbell and Stone writings