Affirms
Word fully divine; classic Nicene reading affirmed
Lutheran theology affirms the classical reading of John 1:1 that 'the Word was God' (kai theos en ho logos) declares the full deity of Christ. The Augsburg Confession and Formula of Concord ground Christological teaching in the Nicene creedal affirmation that Christ is 'of one substance' (homoousios) with the Father. Luther's commentaries on John emphasize the force of the verb 'was' (en) indicating eternal coexistence.
This reading is foundational to Lutheran soteriology: only God incarnate can redeem sinners. The full deity of Christ as the eternal Logos is essential to Lutheran doctrine of atonement and the Lord's Supper (Christ's presence is the presence of God himself).
Key Distinctions
- Logos divinity:
- Word is of one substance with God (Nicene understanding)
- Incarnation:
- eternal Word assumed human nature without ceasing to be God
- Creation role:
Scripture References
Sources
- Augsburg Confession, Article III (1530)
- Formula of Concord, Article VIII (1577)
- Luther, Commentary on John 1:1