Why is Jesus called the Son of God?

Why is Jesus called ‘Son of God’?

Last Updated

Jan 9, 2025

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Jesus is frequently referred to as God’s Son in the New Testament. However, while reading the scriptures, you will also notice that the  title ‘Son of God’ is also used in reference to humans, angels, Israel  & David..

Let’s take a look at some of the Bible’s references to the ‘Sons of God’.

Human beings in general, are called ‘God’s children.’ God created us and sustains us and as a human father provides for his family, God also provides for us, though much more significantly.   

Acts 17:28 (NJKV)

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Spirit beings like the angels are called Sons of God because God sustains them and for their role in carrying out His commands.

Job 1:6 (NKJV)

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

The nation of Israel is called ‘God’s son.’ The development of the nation of Israel was not like that of other nations. Through divine intervention, God produced the nation of Israel and is, therefore, the father of that nation.

Exodus 4:22 (NKJV)

Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn.

King David was called the Son of God because he was put on the throne by God and ruled under God’s authority as God’s representative.

It is clear that the phrase the Son of God is used for a variety of purposes. However, why is it so important to Christians that Jesus is called the Son of God?

Jesus is the Son of God by virtue of His position in the Trinity as the Son. During the first century, sons carried on the family business. They didn’t attend college to find their own path; they simply worked for their fathers. If your father was a butcher, you became a butcher, and if your father was a baker, you became a baker.

The Son of God, in this sense, means Jesus performs the Father’s work, and that’s what He claimed about Himself.

John 10:37-38 (NKJV)

If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

In conclusion, while the term ‘Sons of God’ applies to various entities in the Bible, including spirit beings, human beings, and even nations like Israel, the application of this title to Jesus Christ holds a unique and supreme significance.

Unlike spirit beings, Jesus was not only a heavenly figure but also the most exemplary human to have lived. He surpassed the Davidic kings as the ultimate ‘Son of God,’ being not just a temporal ruler but the eternal Messiah and King.

Moreover, while Israel was called ‘God’s son,’ Jesus embodies this title in its fullest sense, serving as the Messiah not just for Israel but for the entire world. His role as the ‘Son of God’ in the Trinity goes beyond mere lineage or duty; it represents the perfect execution of the Father’s will, making Jesus the preeminent ‘Son of God’ in every aspect.

Jesus is the Son of God by virtue of His position in the Trinity as the Son.

Is Jesus a created being?

Is Jesus a created being?

Last Updated

Jan 8, 2025

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Is Jesus eternal or was He created by God?

The question of whether Jesus Christ is eternal or a created being strikes at the heart of Christian theology. Understanding the nature of Jesus is not just a theological exercise but a foundational aspect of the Christian faith.

The quick answer is that Jesus is not a created being, but He existed since eternity past together with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.

While many Christians may be familiar with this answer, it’s worthwhile to note that some (mainly the Jehovah’s Witnesses) oppose it.

The following verse is incorrectly used to support the claim that Jesus was created:

Colossians 1:15 (NKJV)

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

However, this interpretation misunderstands the biblical use of “firstborn”. In order to better understand how the word ‘firstborn’ is used, let’s look at another verse:

Psalm 89:27 (NKJV)

Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.

This verse addresses King David as the firstborn son of Jesse, but was David actually Jesse’s firstborn son?  No, he was the last-born son.

So why does the verse refer to him as the firstborn? For the same reason, it relates to Jesus as the firstborn Son of God – it refers to Him as the pre-eminent or distinguished Son.

Likewise, the verse in Colossians uses the same Greek word, ‘Prototokos,’ which means pre-eminent/distinguished, which, when used in context, literally means ‘First in rank.’ While writing Colossians, if Paul wanted to call Jesus a ‘created being,’ he would have used another Greek word, “Protoktistos,” which can be translated as ‘founded’ or ‘first created.’

Additionally, if we continue reading the following verses in Colossians, Paul declares ‘Jesus was before all things’ meaning before creation itself:

Colossians 1:17 (NKJV)

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

Even Jesus often spoke of His unique origin of having pre-existed in heaven before coming into the world (John 8:23, John 6:62, John 16:28, John 17:5, John 1:3).

Thus, we can see that Jesus is not a created being. He existed from eternity, and at the appointed time came to earth to redeem mankind.

THROUGH HIM ALL THINGS WERE MADE; WITHOUT HIM NOTHING WAS MADE...

JOHN 1:3

What does it mean that Jesus is the passover lamb?

What does it mean that Jesus is the passover lamb?

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Jan 9, 2025

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In the Old Testament, the Israelites (while still under Egyptian bondage) were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts (to protect their firstborn from the Angel of Death) – Exodus 12.

The Passover lamb in Exodus was a critical symbol of salvation and protection for the Israelites in Egypt and it became such a memorable event in the community that they celebrated it annually as a festival called the Passover.

In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Passover lamb, but what is the significance of this?

John 1:29 (NKJV)

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

In order to better understand its relevance, let’s compare Jesus to the Passover lamb of the Old Testament:

John’s the Baptist calling Christ as the Lamb of God signified the beginning of a new covenant. While the Passover lamb brought temporary atonement, Jesus, as the Lamb of God, offers permanent atonement for sin, establishing a new relationship between God and humanity based on grace and mercy.

Unlike the yearly sacrifice of a lamb, Jesus’ crucifixion was a singular, all-encompassing sacrifice. His death and the shedding of His blood serve as the means of redemption for humanity, mirroring the protective symbolism of the Passover festival.

Jesus, as the Passover lamb, represents the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and is foundational to the Christian faith. His sacrifice marks a pivotal moment in history, transforming the meaning of Passover from a Jewish tradition into a profound symbolism of redemption and salvation.

For Christians today, understanding Jesus as the Passover lamb deepens the appreciation of His sacrificial death and its significance. It emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ atonement in the life of believers.

Jesus is the lamb that was offered up for our sins once and for all.

Why did Jesus take Baptism?

Why did Jesus take Baptism?

Last Updated

Jan 9, 2025

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As John the Baptist baptized people, he proclaimed that the baptism of the coming Messiah would be even more significant.

Matthew 3:11 (NKJV)

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

However, when Jesus came to him and asked to be baptized, John felt unqualified and instead wanted Jesus to baptize him.

Matthew 3:13-15 (NKJV)

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan  to be baptized by him.  And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

So why did Jesus end up taking baptism?

Firstly, John’s baptism was a call to repentance for all people; however, Jesus did not perform this act for the repentance of sins because He never sinned.

Rather, through His baptism, Christ identified with us sinners as He would ultimately bear our sins, and His perfect righteousness would be imputed to us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jesus was baptized for the following reasons:

    • Symbol of death & resurrection: Jesus’ baptism foreshadowed His death and resurrection, representing the new life believers should have in Him.
    • Public Identification & humility: This act marked Jesus’ first public association with those whose sins He would eventually take upon Himself, demonstrating His role as the Savior.
    • Affirmation of His Messiahship: The baptism served as a public declaration of Jesus as the Messiah, confirmed by God the Father’s testimony from heaven.
    • Commencement of Public Ministry: It marked the beginning of His public ministry, where He would bring the message of salvation to all.
    • Intercessory Role: In a manner akin to Old Testament figures like Nehemiah, Ezra, Moses, and Daniel, Jesus’ baptism symbolized a confession of sins on behalf of the nations, highlighting His role as an intercessor;
    • Support for John’s Ministry: Through His baptism, Jesus endorsed John’s ministry, validating the importance of baptism and repentance.
    • Solidarity with the repentant: Jesus in getting baptized was was identifying with the contrite / repentant people of God who came to John for baptism and repentance and not with the critical Pharisees who were only watching.
    • As an Example: Jesus’ baptism serves as an example for Christians to follow, emphasizing the importance of baptism as an act of obedience to God.

Jesus, the perfect man, did not need baptism for the repentance of sin. Still, He accepted the act of baptism in obedience and an example for us to follow.

JESUS WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE.

What does it mean Jesus grew in wisdom?

What does it mean that Jesus grew in wisdom?

Last Updated

Jan 9, 2025

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In the Gospel of Luke, the author states that Jesus “grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him (Luke 2:40). A few verses later; Luke also mentions that Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).

These passages raise a profound question; How could Jesus,  who is God, grow in wisdom? Isn’t omniscience, the state of being all-knowing, an inherent characteristic of God?

In order to understand what this means, let’s look at a few facts.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that these verses affirm Jesus’ humanity. This is an essential Christian doctrine that following the incarnation Jesus was both fully God and fully man.

This duality is critical in understanding the narrative of Jesus’ life. His growth in wisdom isn’t about the development of His divine nature but a testament to His genuine human experience.

We also learn that the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in Christ’s physical, intellectual, and spiritual development as a human.

Unlike Adam, Jesus was not created as an adult; instead, He grew and developed like any other child, except that He did not possess any of the detriments of a sinful nature.

His development was so rapid and beautiful that, at the age of twelve, He amazed the teachers in the temple and everyone who heard Him.

Luke 2:47 (NKJV)

And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

Jesus’ earthly development in wisdom and understanding was an operation of the Holy Spirit resting upon Him.

Even Isaiah in the Old Testament prophesied concerning Jesus’ development in;

Isaiah 11:2 (NKJV)

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

A key theological concept to grasp here is the idea of kenosis, based on Philippians 2:7, where Paul writes that Jesus “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” This ’emptying’ did not mean Jesus ceased being God; rather, He voluntarily limited the independent use of certain divine attributes, like omniscience, to fully live out the human life. This voluntary limitation allowed Jesus to grow and learn as any human would, aligning with God’s plan for His earthly ministry.

Simply put, Jesus did not cease being God or divest Himself of divine attributes in order to become man. Rather, He took on a human nature (in addition to His divinity and not a subtraction from His divinity) and submitted the use of His divine attributes  to the will of the Father.

Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Therefore, there were times when His omniscience was on display (Matthew 9:4; John 2:24–25; 4:17–18; 11:11–14; 16:30) and other times when it was veiled by His humanity in accordance with the Father’s will (Mark 13:32).

Christ was therefore subject to the normal process of human growth—intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.

In conclusion, Jesus’ growth in wisdom as described in Luke is a profound illustration of His complete humanity. While He never ceased to be fully divine, He embraced the human experience, including learning and growing in wisdom. This aspect of Jesus’ life demonstrates His humility and identification with humanity, but also establishes Him as a Great High Priest, uniquely able to sympathize with out weaknesses (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Christ was therefore subject to the normal process of human growth—intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.

How can Jesus be both God and Man?

How can Jesus be both God and man

Last Updated

Jan 8, 2025

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The statement that “Jesus was 100% God and 100% man” or “truly God and Truly man” is something you may have heard in Church. But what does this profound statement really mean?

To put it simply, Jesus existed as God before He existed as a human being.

Many have wrongly understood the nature of Christ by believing that He was created first as a man and then attained divinity.

But Jesus has always existed as part of the Godhead (second person of the Trinity). He took on flesh in the incarnation to fulfill his role as a sacrifice for our sins.

This belief in Jesus’ dual nature was solidified in early Christian theology and articulated in the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) and the Chalcedonian Creed (AD 451). These crucial gatherings of Christian leaders established that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, two natures coexisting in one person without confusion, change, division, or separation.

Scripturally, this concept is supported by passages like John 1:1,14, which states that “the Word was God” and “the Word became flesh.” Additionally, Philippians 2:6-8 speaks of Jesus, who, being in the form of God, took on the nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Colossians 2:9 further affirms this, declaring, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”

It is also important to note that Jesus did not cease to be God in the embodiment; rather, He added the nature of humanity to His divinity.

In becoming man, Jesus did not become another ‘person’, but instead took on / added to Himself the human nature, which is how Jesus could be truly God and truly man.

This union of divine and human nature in Jesus is crucial for understanding His unique role in salvation history. His divine nature ensures the efficacy of His sacrificial death, while His human nature enables Him to empathize with our weaknesses and represent us before God (Hebrews 4:15-16).

In conclusion, the dual nature of Jesus as both God and man is not a mere theological abstraction but a central truth of the Christian faith. It underscores the depth of God’s love and the extent of His intervention in human history, revealing a Savior who is fully God and fully man, uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between humanity and the divine.

Jesus took on this role not for a mere display of His divinity but rather in Humility displayed for us all the love of God on the Cross.

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