LOGOS

Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Logos”
Logos (λόγος) is one of the most profound words in Christian theology.
It refers to Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of God — the divine self‑expression, reason, wisdom, and creative power through whom all things were made.
In Scripture, the Logos is not an idea. The Logos is a Person.
THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
The key text is John 1:1–3, 14:
“In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
“All things were made through Him…”
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
The Logos is:
Eternal
Divine
Creator
Distinct from the Father yet equal with Him
Incarnate as Jesus Christ
Reflection
John reveals that Jesus is not merely God’s messenger — He is God’s self‑expression, God’s speech, God’s mind, God’s presence made flesh.
WHAT LOGOS MEANT IN ANCIENT CULTURE
A. Hebrew Concept (דָּבָר — dabar)
To Jewish readers, God’s Word meant:
Creative power — “And God said…” (Genesis 1)
Self‑revelation — “The word of the Lord came…”
Wisdom — Proverbs 8
Thus the Logos identifies Jesus with:
God’s creative speech
God’s wisdom
God’s revelation
B. Greek Concept
To Greek thinkers, Logos meant:
The rational principle ordering the universe
The logic behind all things
The bridge between divine and material
John’s claim:
“This Logos is Jesus.”
Reflection
John unites Hebrew revelation and Greek philosophy in one breathtaking declaration:
Jesus is the meaning, mind, and message of God.
THE CHRISTIAN MEANING OF LOGOS
A. Logos as Divine Revelation
Jesus is God’s ultimate self‑expression. Karl Barth: “Jesus Christ is the one Word of God which we have to hear and obey.”
B. Logos as Creator
“All things were created through Him…” — Colossians 1:16
C. Logos as Sustainer
“He upholds all things by the word of His power.” — Hebrews 1:3
D. Logos as Incarnate Word
Athanasius: “The Word of God became man so that we might become godlike.”
E. Logos as True Light
“The true light that gives light to everyone.” — John 1:9
Reflection
The Logos is God speaking Himself into creation, redemption, and revelation.
EARLY CHRISTIAN THOUGHT ON THE LOGOS
Justin Martyr: The Logos is universal Reason made flesh in Jesus.
Irenaeus: Through the Word, God formed and revealed Himself.
Origen: The Logos is eternal Wisdom, the image of the Father.
Augustine: The Word is God’s perfect utterance.
Aquinas: The Son is the perfect concept of the Father’s intellect.
Reflection
The early Church saw the Logos as the key to understanding God, creation, revelation, and salvation.
THE LOGOS IN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
1. Christology
Jesus is the pre‑existent, eternal Son.
2. Trinitarian Theology
The Logos is:
Distinct from the Father (relationally)
Equal with the Father (essentially)
3. Creation
All things exist through the Logos.
4. Revelation
Jesus reveals the Father because He is the Father’s Word.
5. Salvation
The Logos becomes flesh to:
Reveal God
Redeem humanity
Restore creation
Reflection
The Logos is the centre of Christian theology — the key to understanding who Jesus is and what He does.
LOGOS AND THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD TODAY
The Logos is the eternal Word (Christ).
Scripture is the written Word. The Spirit is the illuminating Word.
Christians experience the Logos through:
Scripture
The Holy Spirit
Prayer
Worship
Fellowship
The sacraments
Reflection
The living Word meets us through the written Word by the Spirit’s power.
Short Definition
LOGOS
The eternal Word of God, Jesus Christ — the divine self‑expression, reason, and wisdom through whom all things were created, who reveals God fully, sustains the universe, and became flesh to redeem humanity.
In Daily Faith
Trust Christ, the living Word, and let God’s Word guide daily decisions.
IN DAILY FAITH: HOW THE LOGOS TRANSFORMS DAILY LIVING
1. Let the Logos Guide Your Decisions Through Scripture
Biblical Guidance
Psalm 119:105 — God’s Word is a lamp.
Colossians 3:16 — Let Christ’s Word dwell richly.
Daily Application
Ask: What does Christ’s Word say?
Read Scripture for direction, not just information.
Begin each morning with a verse to live out.
Why This Matters
Living under the Logos means letting Christ’s truth shape every choice.
2. Hear the Voice of the Logos Through the Holy Spirit
Biblical Guidance
John 10:27 — “My sheep hear My voice.”
John 14:26 — The Spirit reminds us of Christ’s words.
Daily Application
Practice quiet listening.
Ask the Spirit to highlight Scripture.
Test inner promptings against the Word.
Why This Matters
The Logos still speaks — learn to listen.
3. Reflect Christ, the Logos, Through Your Words
Biblical Guidance
Ephesians 4:29 — Speak what builds up.
Colossians 4:6 — Speak with grace.
Daily Application
Speak blessing, not cursing.
Pause before speaking: Does this reflect Jesus?
Use words to build others up.
Why This Matters
Followers of the Word must speak words that reflect Him.
4. Let the Logos Renew Your Mind Daily
Biblical Guidance
Romans 12:2 — Renew your mind.
Hebrews 4:12 — The Word is living and active.
Daily Application
Replace lies with Scripture.
Write verses that combat your struggles.
Meditate on Christ’s teachings in stress.
Why This Matters
The Logos renews the mind one thought at a time.
5. Follow the Logos by Obeying His Teachings
Biblical Guidance
John 14:15 — Love expressed through obedience.
James 1:22 — Be doers of the Word.
Daily Application
Practice one teaching of Jesus each week.
Turn Bible reading into action steps.
Why This Matters
Obedience turns knowledge into transformation.
6. Let the Logos Bring Order to Your Life
Biblical Guidance
Proverbs 3:5–6 — He makes paths straight.
1 Corinthians 14:33 — God is not a God of confusion.
Daily Application
Invite Christ into your schedule, finances, relationships.
Ask: How would Jesus order this?
Why This Matters
The Logos brings clarity, direction, and peace.
7. Trust the Logos to Sustain You When You’re Weak
Biblical Guidance
Hebrews 1:3 — He sustains all things.
Isaiah 40:31 — Strength renewed in waiting.
Daily Application
Pray: Jesus, hold me together today.
Read a promise when overwhelmed.
Trust the Word who sustains the universe to sustain you.
Why This Matters
The Logos carries what you cannot.
8. Worship the Logos as the One Who Reveals the Father
Biblical Guidance
John 1:18 — The Son makes the Father known.
Revelation 19:13 — His name is “The Word of God.”
Daily Application
Worship Jesus specifically as the Word.
Thank Him for revealing the Father.
Praise Him for sustaining creation.
Why This Matters
The more you worship the Logos, the more you know God.
In Daily Faith (Final Summary)
LOGOS: Live each day under the loving authority of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word — letting His voice guide you, His Scripture shape you, His wisdom order your life, and His power sustain you.
Key Scripture References
John 1:1–14
Psalm 119:105
Colossians 3:16
Romans 12:2
James 1:22
Hebrews 4:12
Revelation 19:13
