Friday, December 2, 2011
John 1:14c ... the only begotten of the Father ...
THE SON OF GOD
As much as John wishes us to see the Word dwelling among men, it is of great importance that we first understand that this Word is "truly ... the Son of God."
The term "Son of God" by no means implies anything less then true deity, "of the same substance with the Father." It is true that the Bible uses the term "sons of God" of those who are not equal with God. But then it is speaking of adoption, here it is the "only begotten." If He is begotten of God, He cannot be anything less than the exact essence of the Father. For John and all the New Testament writers, the term Son of God was exactly the same as saying "He is God." Even the Jews understood this (John 10:33).
What does it mean then that Christ was begotten? He is the eternal Son of God. This name is not only a reference to his incarnation. It means that as the Father's Son He is the one to receive the inheritance, to rule, to judge, and to sit at the right hand of God. It is a picture of God's love that He has only this one Son but He gives Him up for us all.
The Lord chooses to describe the relationship of the Father and the Son with these words. We are to note that in at least a few ways this relationship above bears a small resemblance to an earthly father-son relationship. Beyond this, it is part of the mystery of Christ. It is enough for us to know simply that it is so.
