To Know Jesus
Life In His Name
January 5, 2025
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
The sermon introduces a new series in John, presenting Jesus as the preexistent, transcendent Word and the immanent Savior—calling listeners to trust him in faith for true life, freedom, and belonging.
Summary
On the first Sunday of 2025 we begin a series in the Gospel of John that aims to show Jesus as the Son of God by highlighting two complementary attributes: transcendence and immanence. John 1:1 and 1:9 identify Jesus as the preexistent Word, agent of creation, source of life, and true light who shines in darkness; at the same time John stresses the incarnation and continuing presence of Christ—Emmanuel—who comes to and dwells with his people. Though many rejected him, salvation comes to those who believe, confess, and yield to him; believers are invited to come in faith, gather on the Lord's Day, and receive what Christ has earned for us.
Key Points
- New series in John: life without Christ lacks meaning; John's aim is to present Jesus as the Son of God
- Two key attributes: Jesus is transcendent (greater than creation, preexistent Word, agent of creation, source of life) and immanent (incarnate, Emmanuel, present in the Spirit)
- Key texts: John 1:1 and 1:9 point to the Word and the true light coming into the world
- Transcendence shows Jesus' divine authority and ability to rescue the enslaved from the world
- Immanence shows Jesus' embodied coming, his connection to his people, and his continuing presence by the Spirit
- Rejection noted: his own did not receive him, calling us to repent from Adam’s law-breaking and place faith in his name
- Faith involves trusting, confessing, and yielding to receive what Jesus has earned
- Practical call: believers are invited to come in faith to the Lord’s Day worship, partake spiritually (“come and eat”), and join in the Lord’s Prayer
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