When it comes to Christianity, one of the most perplexing aspects that causes doubt among many people is Jesus' title as the "Son of God." The titles "Son of God" and "Son of Man" can both be used to establish Jesus' deity and humanity and should be studied extensively. But as the title of this article implies, what does it mean to say that Jesus is God's Son, and why does it matter? Why does the Bible call other people the "sons of God" as well? And, how can Jesus be God's Son, but also be God? This is crucial for all Christians to understand, especially when defending Christianity to unbelievers.
The Various Uses Of "Sons Of God"
In order to make sense of Jesus being called the Son of God, we must first understand how that phrase is used throughout the Bible. The expression "son(s) of God" appears in many different contexts and scenarios, and can apply to various people or people groups. Sometimes "son(s) of God" refers to:
- The nation of Israel (Exodus 4:22-23)
- Angels (Job 1:6)
- Believers who reflect God's will and character (Matthew 5:9; Luke 6:35; 1 John 3:9-10; Romans 8:14)
- Believers in general (Galatians 3:26, 4:7; John 1:12)
- The reigning Davidic King, i.e., Jesus (Psalm 2:7)
Many people believe that the phrase "son of God" refers only to Jesus. But a cursory reading of these verses will reveal that the phrase "son(s) of God" is not unique to Christ alone. So, what is so special about Jesus being called the "Son of God" if many others are called the same? To answer that question, we must first look at how the words "son of" are used throughout the Bible.
The Various Meanings Of "Son Of ___"
Apart from looking at the entire phrase and how it is used in Scripture (as we did above), it is also important to look at how the words "son of" are utilized. Suffice it to say, that, "son" always implies some sort of relationship or affiliation, and knowing the sense(s) in which the title "son" is applied to Jesus will give clarity to the full phrase in question. There are three predominant meanings of the words "son of" in the Scriptures:
1.) Literal Progeny
The words "son of" in their literal sense, plainly mean the physical male offspring or child of someone. Jesus, however, cannot surely be the literal offspring of God, for we believe that He is God! Also, saying that Jesus is the literal and physical Son of God is problematic because it makes Him out to be a created being, which He is not. Although we can say that Jesus is the son of Mary in the literal sense—at least with regards to His human nature conceived by the Holy Spirit—we must reject saying that He is God's Son in a literal and physical sense. So there must be another meaning of "son" at play in the phrase "Son of God."
2.) Familial Identity
Another way in which the words "son of" is used in the Bible is in its familial identifying sense. In the ancient world, there was a deeper understanding of someone's identity in the family than there now is in our culture. In a very real sense, your family—especially your father—determined your identity and social standing in society.
In other words, back then, if your father was a farmer, you were a farmer; if your father was a carpenter, you were a carpenter; and if your father was a tradesman, you were also a tradesman, etc. Although this wasn't the case 100% of the time, for the most part, your father's trade dictated yours, especially if you were the firstborn in the family.
It is because of this identity factor that the Bible can say of those who are priests, "sons of Aaron" (for Aaron was a priest; the "father" of those after him); and of those who are musicians, "sons of Asaph" (for Asaph was a musician; the "father" of those after him); and of those who are prophets, "sons of prophets." This familial identity was sometimes closely linked with an actual genealogy; some people were actual descendants of Aaron the priest or Asaph the musician.
In a metaphorical sense, saying that a person was a "son of" someone tied him or her to a certain characteristic, personality, or nature. For example, James and John, who were probably very outgoing and strong in character, were referred to as "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17). Therefore, when applied to Jesus, He is first said to be the "Son of God" because He has God's divine nature; He is, therefore, God. This is why the Jews sought to kill Him for supposed blasphemy; He claimed to be God's Son and, therefore, of His same nature (John 19:7).
3.) Character Identity
The third manner in which the words "son of" is used in Scripture is in its character identifying sense. The Bible is replete with phrases such as: "the sons of Belial" (1 Samuel 2:12), "the sons of the Devil" (1 John 3:10), "the son of perdition" (John 17:12), "sons of Abraham" (Galatians 3:7), etc. In this sense, someone is said to be the "son of" someone if they follow in someone’s footsteps, imitate another’s actions, and/or carry on and fulfill the "father’s" life and purpose.
The passage that best illustrates this character identity sense of the words "son of" is found in John 8. Although the exact phrase "son of" does not appear in these verses, its equivalent does. Jesus here is talking to the Pharisees about Him being the "light of the world" (John 8:12), and that He comes from the Father and does the will of His Father (John 8:18, 26, 29). The Jews take offense at His insinuation that they are enslaved and that He alone—the Son—can set them free (John 8:36).
Then Jesus really pushes the Jews' buttons by saying, in effect, that they are not Abraham's children (in the metaphorical sense, although they might have been in the literal sense). Jesus tells them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did," and then hits them with, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My own accord, but He sent Me." So, according to Jesus, they are neither the "sons of" Abraham nor of God.
And then Jesus gives them the hard truth: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Jesus basically told the Jews that they are all sons of the Devil, because they were doing the works of the Devil: lying and murdering.
Jesus Does God's Works
With all this background knowledge, then, it is easy to see why Jesus is called the "Son of God": Jesus did the works of the Father, and shared in His divine nature. Therefore, to press this point even further, let's take a look at some of the works that Jesus did that could apply only to God, Yahweh:
- Jesus raises the dead (John 5:21)
- Jesus is the final judge of all (Matthew 25)
- Jesus forgives sins (Mark 2:2-12)
Conclusion
To recap, the fact that Jesus is called the Son of God does not mean that He is created and is somehow the physical offspring of God the Father. Jesus is said to be the Son of God because He shares in the same nature as the Father, and because He does the works of the Father, thus forming an eternal, divine relationship within the Trinity. That is what is so special about Jesus, the Christ, being called the Son of God—He perfectly reflects God.
As Dr. David Wood explains in his video, "within the one nature or essence of God, the Person of the Son is eternally with the Person of the Father. So, we can talk about Jesus being the "Son of God" because He is within the Trinity—He's the Son of the Father—but He's God because He has the same divine essence as the Father." Although this fact may be difficult to grasp, it is not illogical.
Jesus also exemplifies—to the nth degree—all of the ways that the term "son of God" is used in the Bible. He is the highest spirit being (the Word); He is the greatest human being and perfectly reflects God's will and character; He is the eternal and greatest Davidic King; and He, as Messiah and seed of Abraham, represents all of Israel. In short, Jesus is the "Son of God" within the Trinity and in a metaphorical sense for the reasons listed above; yet He is Yahweh, God, in a very literal sense. Praise Him forevermore!
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