We continue our study of Christian Truth
The Son
The Biblical principle of being a son is particularly important. It is a Christian doctrine and important for mature faith. It relates to inheritance and responsibility. The title goes beyond gender because it is about a position one holds in a family. The status of ‘son’ is compared with that of a servant. [See Galatians 4:1-7]
Romans 8:14 NIV because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
We read about many kinds of son in Scripture: Son of Man, Son of David, and Son of God, are the main ones to think about. These all refer to Jesus in some way. They provide insight into Who Jesus is, what He accomplished when He appeared the first time, and what He will accomplish when He returns.
The Christian Doctrine about the Son is vital to your faith. In Genesis chapter 5 we see the first prophetic reference to God’s plan about His Son.
Genesis 5:3 NIV When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.
The name Seth carries the idea of being a replacement or substitute. In Hebrews Chapter 1 we read about Jesus:
Hebrews 1:3 NIV The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Adam saw a living human who was just like him. God brought Jesus into the world – a human Who was Just like Him! Jesus was human but not like Seth, who had a fallen sinful nature like the rest of us. Jesus, the Son of God, was like us but He did not sin because there was no sin in Him [see: 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5].
We have Scriptures that tell us what God said about Jesus:
Matthew 3:17 KJV And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [see also Matthew 17:5]
What does this mean for us? First, we must understand that only Jesus could substitute for us. He could give His life in our place to deal with Sin. He could be in our place as One acceptable to God. He can be an eternal refuge for all who will hide IN HIM. No one else can do this or be this. There are many other matters concerning God’s righteousness and the Law that are settled in Jesus. Jesus has many other titles: Messiah (Christ), Emmanuel, Saviour, Lord, Shepherd, but here we are considering what it means that He is THE SON.
The doctrine about the Son involves us, who repent and believe in Him, in a contract or promise that God has made. We inherit with Jesus as adopted sons.
Galatians 4:6-7 NIV Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (7) So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
The point is that the firstborn son inherits the Father’s wealth and property. And we, who are included in Christ, share in this blessing. There are several parables in the Gospels which will take on new meaning if you understand this wonderful truth of God’s grace.
One more thing: this truth about sons emphasises the purpose of God in Jesus Christ His Son.
Hebrews 2:10 NIV In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Please read Romans Chapter 8 so that you can grasp better this amazing grace that gives sinners the status of righteousness and glory because Jesus chose to be The Saviour.
