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 Reformed Church in North America

Christian Reformed Church in North America

Evangelical

Affirms

Logos eternally coexistent with Father; true deity of Word

The CRC affirms John 1:1 as clear testimony to the eternal, coequal deity of the Son. The Word (Logos) was with God and was God from all eternity. This interpretation aligns with the Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dordt) which affirm the classical doctrine of the Trinity. The grammatical weight of 'kai theos en ho logos' establishes the Word's divine nature unambiguously. This foundational verse supports the CRC's reformed Christology.

Key Distinctions

Logos divinity:
fully divine; coequal, coeternal with Father
Incarnation:
Logos became flesh; full deity maintained
Creation role:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 33-34
  • Christian Reformed Church Doctrinal Standards