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The Gospel of John (KJV) Explained: The Life, Light, and Divinity of Christ Revealed

An in-depth Bible study outline of the Gospel of John, focusing on the absolute deity of Jesus Christ as the manifestation of the one true God in the flesh, the necessity of the new birth, and the revelation of His saving name.

1. The Word Made Flesh: The Absolute Deity of Jesus

1.1 The Identity of the Logos

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:2; John 1:3
  • The Word (Logos) is God's own self-expression, mind, and creative power, not a distinct person in the Godhead.
  • Jesus is the physical manifestation of the one true God who created all things.

1.2 The Incarnation of the Father

Verses: John 1:14; John 14:9
  • The invisible God became visible by taking on human flesh as the Son of God.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, as the Father dwelt fully within Him as the animating deity.

1.3 The Light that Dispels Darkness

Verses: John 1:4; John 1:5; John 1:9
  • Jesus is the source of all spiritual life and the true light of the world.
  • The light of Christ reveals the nature of God and exposes the darkness of sin.

2. The Great 'I AM': Jesus Declares His Eternal Identity

2.1 The Self-Existent One

Verses: John 8:24; John 8:58
  • By declaring 'Before Abraham was, I am,' Jesus claimed the covenant name of Jehovah.
  • Belief in Jesus' absolute identity as the 'I AM' is essential for salvation from sin.

2.2 The Good Shepherd and the Father are One

Verses: John 10:11; John 10:30
  • Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, a title reserved for Jehovah in the Old Testament.
  • The statement 'I and my Father are one' denotes a unity of identity, not just purpose.

2.3 The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Verses: John 14:6; John 14:7; John 14:8; John 14:9
  • Jesus is the exclusive path to God because He is God manifest in the flesh.
  • Knowing Jesus is synonymous with knowing the Father, as there is no separation of persons in the Godhead.

3. Born of Water and Spirit: The New Birth and Eternal Life

3.1 The Necessity of the New Birth

Verses: John 3:3; John 3:5
  • Entering the kingdom of God requires a complete spiritual transformation.
  • The new birth consists of both water baptism and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit.

3.2 The Living Water

Verses: John 4:10; John 4:14; John 7:37; John 7:38; John 7:39
  • Jesus offers living water that permanently satisfies the thirsty soul.
  • The living water represents the Holy Spirit, which believers receive as an indwelling well of life.

3.3 The Spirit of Truth as Jesus' Own Presence

Verses: John 14:16; John 14:17; John 14:18; John 14:26
  • The Comforter, or Holy Spirit, is the spiritual presence of Jesus Himself returning to dwell in believers.
  • The Holy Spirit is sent in the name of Jesus, revealing the oneness of the Spirit and Christ.

4. The Revelation of the Name and the Work of the Cross

4.1 Manifesting the Father's Name

Verses: John 17:6; John 17:11; John 17:12
  • Jesus manifested and kept His disciples in the Father's name, which is the name of Jesus.
  • The name of Jesus is the supreme saving name of the one true God.

4.2 The Ultimate Sacrifice and Victory

Verses: John 19:30
  • On the cross, Jesus completed the work of redemption, crying out 'It is finished.'
  • The blood shed by Jesus was the blood of God's own human manifestation, purchasing our redemption.

4.3 The Lord and God Confessed

Verses: John 20:28
  • Thomas's confession, 'My Lord and my God,' is the ultimate realization of Jesus' true identity.
  • True faith recognizes Jesus not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the supreme Lord and God.