1955 Bible Studies - page 3

BIBLE STUDIES "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" (Acts 17. 11).

VOLUME 23.

JANUARY, 1955f

EDITORIAL.

We give a cordial welcome to new contributors, and to those now re-suming. We trust the Lord will enable all to continue throughout the year, and that the result will be spiritual enrichment.

Several of our contributors have commented on the profound implica-tions of the apparently simple title the " Word. " The apostle John deals, in childlike simplicity and economy of words, with subjects of deep mystery.

Consider, for example, the opening of his first epistle, " That which was from the b e g i n n i n g . . . "  Such language, by its seeming inadequacy, suggests the great ineffability of its Subject.  John, who wrote inspired Scripture, followed the example of the Lord, who used simple language and illustrations to teach profound mysteries like the new birth (John 3)

and eternal life (John 4. 14). If we use such Christlike wisdom, we may win souls for the Lord.

J. B.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN.

(Chapter 1. 1 to 2. 11).

From Hamilton, Ont. -- John introduces his Lord with majestic simplicity by asserting His Deity, focussing our attention on the essential character of the Word.

The Word, who is the only begotten Son (1 . 14), the Son of God’s love (Colossians 1. 13; John 17. 24), was before all things (Colossians 1. 17;

Proverbs 8. 22, 23, 26). He, the Maker of the ages, is the beginning of the creation of God (Revelation 3. 14; Proverbs 8. 27-31, 30. 4).

John points us beyond time, stating by the Holy Spirit, " In the begin-ning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ’*

Finite minds cannot comprehend such truth, but our spirits are lifted as we consider the glory which He, who is the eternal Wisdom, had with the Father before creation. He, who ever was the Father’s delight, and whose delights were with the sons of men (Proverbs 8. 23-31; John 17. 5)?

the eternal Word, became the incarnate Word, dwelling among chosen men so that His glory was manifested to them.

Verses 11-13 lift us again from that which is physical to that which is spiritual, for as many as receive the Word are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5. 17). Believing in His name, they become children of God, and if children, heirs, and joint-heirs with Christ Himself (Romans 8. 16, 17). In Him was life, and He came that they might have life (John 1 0 . 10). This is life eternal that they should know the only true God and

Jesus Christ (John 17. 3).

A. Dorricott, J. Meikle, W. Thompson.

From Crowborough. -- The Gospel according to John was written to prove to faith that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20. 31). John takes us

back to eternity past, and introduces us to Christ the co-eternal Son of God as the Word. Just as words are a medium to express our thoughts, so Christ, the incarnate Word, is referred to as the One who came to declare,