The verse “in Him was life, and the life was the light of men” is found in the opening chapter of the Gospel of John. This profound statement points to the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His purpose in bringing light and life to humanity.
Context of the Verse
John 1:4 falls within the wider context of John 1:1-18 which is commonly referred to as the “Prologue” of John’s Gospel. This introductory section establishes major themes that will be unpacked through the rest of the book. Here, John introduces Jesus as the divine Word existing from eternity with God the Father (John 1:1-2). The Word is the agent of creation, bringing the world into existence (John 1:3). Verse 4 then expands on the role of the Word in relation to humanity.
“In Him Was Life”
The first part of John 1:4 states that “in Him was life.” Him refers to the Word who is revealed as Jesus Christ. The verse makes an astounding claim – that inherent in the person of Jesus is “life.” But what does this mean?
“Life” translates the Greek word “zoe.” This refers to more than just biological life. In John’s writings, “zoe” life denotes spiritual vitality, intimacy with God, and participation in the eternal kingdom (John 3:15-16, John 5:24). It is the quality of divine life unique to Jesus.
By asserting that “in Him was life,” John 1:4 teaches several key truths about Jesus Christ:
- As the Word and Son of God, Jesus shares the same divine life as the Father (John 5:26). Eternal life is inherent in His nature.
- Jesus is the exclusive source of spiritual life. No other person or false god possesses or grants eternal life (John 14:6).
- Jesus has life in Himself. He alone is self-existent and without beginning or end (John 1:2, John 5:21).
- Jesus is the Life-Giver who grants spiritual life to those who believe in Him (John 10:10, John 20:31).
Thus the first half of John 1:4 establishes the deity of Christ. As possessing eternal life in Himself, Jesus is uniquely qualified to impart spiritual life to fallen humanity.
“And the Life Was the Light of Men”
After introducing Jesus as the bearer of divine life, John 1:4 continues: “and the life was the light of men.” Here, John poetically explains how Jesus shares His life with the world.
Light is a common scriptural metaphor. It evokes ideas of revelation, guidance, and deliverance from darkness (Psalm 27:1). The coming of Jesus into a spiritually darkened world is likened to the shining of light in the darkness (John 1:5).
When John 1:4 states “the life was the light of men,” it draws several connections between the ideas of life and light in reference to Jesus Christ:
- Life and light originate from the same source – Jesus. The divine life innately possessed by the Son of God is manifest among men as spiritual light.
- Life provides the illumination – The life inherent in Jesus provides the means to shine in human darkness.
- Light enables life – As light reveals truth and leads to Christ, it grants spiritual life to men (John 8:12).
- Both life and light have the purpose of redeeming humanity. The eternal life in Christ overcomes spiritual death, while His light overcomes spiritual darkness and ignorance (John 8:12).
John brilliantly connects the ideas of life and light in Jesus Christ. The divine life He possesses by nature enlightens and enlivens lost men as they come to the Light of the World (John 8:12). Truly, the Son grants life to all who follow Him (John 5:21).
Implications of John 1:4
This profound verse in John’s prologue carries several important implications:
- Reveals Christ’s deity – As the exclusive bearer of divine life and light, Jesus shares fully in the nature of God.
- Presents Jesus as the source of spiritual life – No one comes to the Father except through Christ (John 14:6). Life is found in no one else.
- Declares the incarnation of the Life-Giver – The eternal Word entered creation to shine in the darkness and grant life to men (John 1:14).
- Emphasizes Jesus as the Light that overcomes human darkness – Christ illuminates sinful hearts with divine truth and wisdom.
- Offers hope of salvation – Those who follow Christ exchange spiritual death for His abundant life (John 10:10).
What an incredible truth! The divine, eternal life of the Word now resides in the man Jesus, bringing light and life to all who trust in Him. Do you know this life-giving Light?
The Divine Life Offered to All
John 1:4 reveals that spiritual life and light are found in Christ. A key theme throughout John’s gospel is that this gift of life is available to anyone who believes.
John 20:31 states: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” By faith in Christ, we receive divine life!
Those who turn to the Light of Christ move from death to life. In one of His great “I am” statements, Jesus explained:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Will you follow the Light that leads to life? If so, Jesus promised:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)
Through faith in Christ, His life becomes our own. We can confidencely agree with the apostle John’s great declaration:
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life…” (1 John 5:11-12)
Objections and Concerns
Some may raise objections on whether John 1:4 really implies that Jesus is fully divine. Others twist the meaning to fit their own ideology. Several key concerns include:
1. John 1:4 doesn’t explicitly call Jesus “God.”
It’s true this verse does not use the term “God” in reference to Christ. However, it clearly ascribes the attributes of divinity – self-existent life and the role of Light-Bringer – uniquely to Jesus. When the wider context of John’s gospel is considered, it becomes even more plain that Jesus is “God” (John 20:28).
2. Why doesn’t it just say “in Him was God”?
John’s multilayered approach in the prologue hints at but holds back from explicitly naming Jesus as “God” until later climactic points in the book. The apostle is systematically building the case for Christ’s deity through metaphor and rich themes. In due course, the narrative makes the stunning conclusion clear (John 20:28).
3. Could this verse have an adoptionist meaning?
Adoptionism teaches that Jesus was a mortal man who was “adopted” as God’s Son later in life. However, John 1:4 precludes this by noting that the divine life and light were innate in Him from the beginning. The adoptionist view conflicts sharply with the biblical account.
Conclusion
John 1:4 beautifully encapsulates the saving mission of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Word who shared life with the Father, He entered the world to shine as a guiding Light that grants divine life to lost sinners. All who turn to follow Him exchange spiritual darkness for light and move from death to abundant life. What marvelous news – this gift of life is available to all who simply believe!
