1 John 1:1-4 speaks of the coming of Jesus Christ and verifies that He is the Son of God. In this passage Jesus is also called the “Word of life.” Not only is the apostle John helping his readers to know about Jesus, but also that He alone is the giver of eternal life. Let’s notice John’s words as he expounds on the life of Christ and His purpose for coming to this earth.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
Please note that “word” is used often throughout the New Testament, including John’s writings. But this apostle is the only New Testament author that capitalizes “Word” in just a few of his writings. The reason for this distinction is that the capitalized Word always and only refers to Jesus Christ Himself.
John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then, verse 14 adds, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John very keenly describes the coming of Jesus to this earth to provide salvation for us.
But let’s consider what our earthly life would be like without the hope for salvation that Jesus brought. What if Jesus had chosen to stay in Heaven and not come to this earth at all? What a terrifying thought! Thinking of this question helps us to again be grateful that He did come, so that our salvation in Him might be secure. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
We are grateful that Jesus came to the earth 2,000 years ago. Without His coming to our world, there would be no hope of salvation. The apostle Paul says of Jesus, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).
John 3:16-17 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Jesus showed in His earthly life just how far sacrificial love should be willing to go. In John 15:1214, Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
Not only did the Lord give this commandment, but He also demonstrated the greatness of His own love. Were it not for the sacrifice He made on our behalf on the cross, there would be no possibility for forgiveness or everlasting life in God’s presence. In His death for us, Jesus demonstrated the enormity of His love for mankind.
After the resurrection of Jesus, our Savior had the eternal authority to command our obedience as He said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Hebrews 5:9 says of Jesus, “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”
Without Jesus coming to our world, we would not have known the greatest compassion ever demonstrated. He healed the sick (Matthew 14:14). He fed the hungry (Matthew 15:32). Jesus wept for the lost (Matthew 23:37). He wept for the bereaved (John 11:35). We learn through Christ that our lives must also be compassionate toward those in need.
Without Jesus, we would never have salvation from our sins, nor would we have known how to be His obedient servants. We would not have known how to act when we are persecuted for our faith.