Talk is cheap...

As It Was in the Beginning

Theology in the Trenches

By Kathleen Kjolhaug

“As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be world without end, Amen.” That is how this doxology reads.

So how, exactly, was it in the beginning? “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2).

Then what was? “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John1:14).

In the beginning what was? In the beginning, He was. He was full of grace and truth. This is not maybe truth, or perhaps it can be, but it clearly reveals that He is full of not only truth but full of truth and grace.

If He is full of truth, it isn’t partly true, or sort of, or even kind of, nor is it an “I think I’ll think about it” sort of deal because no matter what one thinks or doesn’t think, it’s still truth. 

Because it is, truth that is, what then?

Talk is cheap; faith is deep, and forgiveness even deeper. Grace and mercy explain how any of us are able to take it personally. Ownership of the truth brings about the fruit of the Spirit which brings forth new life. Strawberry seeds bring forth strawberries, beans seeds sprout beans and so it goes. What is planted and rooted in Him brings forth fruit that reproduces the likeness of Him.

Begotten of the Father, He is. And because He was begotten, we are not forgotten and thus He died so that we may live. It’s a sin-be-gone sort of deal. Guilt and shame are washed away.

Now back to the beginning as we near the end. He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Rev. 22:13).

 He does not say, “I might be,” or that, “I think I am,” but rather He says, “I Am.” And because He is, He pours His Holy Spirit into us so we may be more like Him….for His glory not our own.

“Peace be still” (Mark 4:39). Entangle your weary arms with His and allow Him to draw you nigh. For “you did not choose Him, but He chose you” (John 15:16).  Amen.