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.