John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"

The Evangelical Covenant Church affirms the traditional reading of John 1:1 that the Logos is fully divine and eternally existent with God. This interpretation is foundational to ECC Christology and aligns with classical Protestant evangelical orthodoxy. The opening of John's Gospel is understood as a profound theological assertion of the deity and preexistence of Christ, consistent with Nicene theology.

The ECC affirms that Christ is not merely a created being or emanation but is God himself, sharing fully in the divine nature and attributes. This interpretation has shaped ECC hymnody, catechesis, and liturgical practice since the denomination's Swedish pietist roots. The affirmation of Christ's divinity is non-negotiable for evangelical faith.

The Logos doctrine is also understood as the foundation for understanding Christ's redemptive work: it is God himself who became incarnate for human salvation. This high Christology is central to ECC evangelical identity and its commitment to sola Christus (Christ alone).