Word is true God; eternal deity of Christ clearly taught
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) affirms the traditional reading of John 1:1 as clear testimony to the full and eternal deity of Christ. The Word (Logos) is understood as fully divine, coequal with God the Father. This reading is grounded in the entire Lutheran confessional tradition and is central to WELS systematic theology. WELS teaching emphasizes the direct statement of Christ's divinity in John 1:1 as a foundation for all Christological doctrine.
WELS maintains strict subscription to the Book of Concord's understanding of John 1:1. The verse is cited as proof of the doctrine that Christ is 'true God, begotten of the Father from eternity' (Small Catechism, Apostles' Creed). This doctrine is non-negotiable in WELS faith and practice.
Key Distinctions
- Logos divinity:
- John 1:1 is direct, unambiguous affirmation of Christ's deity
- Incarnation:
- Creation role:
Scripture References
Sources
- Book of Concord, Augsburg Confession Article III (1530)
- Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Doctrinal Position
- Luther's Small Catechism, Apostles' Creed