John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made."

 

Introduction

In a previous post, we discussed the existence and the situation of The Word, and how these affirm the divine nature of the Word. In this article, we will further examine John 1:1, focusing on the third statement: “and the Word was God.” This verse is John’s clear proclamation that Jesus Christ is truly God.

The context shows that the Word, who became man, existed before the creation of the universe and was with the Father—and this Word is also God. In relation to the deity of the Word, we will address two heresies:

1. The heresy that claims Jesus was merely a man (Adoptionism).

2. The heresy that claims Jesus is a lesser god (Arianism).

We will begin with the first—the heresy of Adoptionism.

 

I. Heresy #1: Jesus is Just a Man (Adoptionism)

A. Brief Definition of Adoptionism

According to Richard Sheposh (ebsco.com), Adoptionism is an early Christian theological belief that claims Jesus Christ was born fully human and later adopted by God as His Son. This view emerged in the second century as some sought to understand the dual nature of Jesus—both human and divine¹. This teaching emphasizes Christ’s humanity while denying His eternal divinity, suggesting that He became the Son of God at some point in time. Figures such as Theodotus of Byzantium, Artemon, and Paul of Samosata were well-known proponents of this heresy².

 

B. Arguments Against Adoptionism

There is no doubt that Christ is fully man—John 1:14 clearly states that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” However, this verse does not only affirm His humanity; it also testifies to His divinity.

John 1:14

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”

Notice that John declares the Word became flesh, full of grace and truth. Moreover, he affirms that they “beheld His glory”— glory as of the only Son from the Father. The phrase “we have beheld His glory” is in the present perfect tense, expressing an action completed in the past but with lasting relevance in the present.

We also know from John 1:1 that “in the beginning” the Word already existed, and that He was God. Furthermore, Christ Himself confirmed His eternal existence, glory, and the Father’s love for Him before creation of the universe.

John 17:24

“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to behold My glory which You have given Me in Your love for Me before the foundation of the world.”

The Bible provides no evidence that Jesus was ever “adopted” by God. Instead, Scripture overwhelmingly affirms His divinity. He is the eternal Son of God—begotten, not adopted. This is why Adoptionism is dangerous: it distorts the true identity of Christ and can lead people into damnation and the worship of a false god.

 

Conclusion

The divinity of Jesus Christ is an essential doctrine of Christianity. Without His divinity, no one could be saved—for no one can see or touch God except God Himself.

My friend, this is precisely why Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Only He can satisfy the wrath of God. Only He could pay the debt of our sins by dying on the cross and shedding His blood. Only He is the perfect representative of humanity. Only He has the power to raise us from the dead, for He raised Himself after three days.

Therefore, repent of your sins. Turn away from worshiping false gods or false versions of Jesus. Trust in the true Jesus Christ—who is 100% God and 100% man. He alone can save you.

 

Reference:

¹https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/adoptionism

²https://www.monergism.com/adoptionism

​

​

Authored by: Chris John Apinan