2001-03-27- Declared the Son of God

The Prophecy Fulfilled Series, Part 23

The Prophecy

Psalm 2:7 "I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'Thou are My Son, today I have begotten Thee.'"

The Fulfillment

Matthew 3:17 "And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.'"

The New Testament record is important for several reasons. One reason is because it tells us the history of the life, impact, and influence of Jesus Christ. In the Bible we have the record of the Son of God taking on the simple limitations of humanity. His nature and true identity are not lost upon the author of the Gospel of John when he writes, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

The Word becoming flesh is an interesting theological issue that we will only understand when we, "...shall know fully..." 1 Corinthians 13:12. However, the concept of the Sonship of Christ is a little easier for us to grasp because we can relate, at least in some way, by experience. Bishop John Pearson (1613-1686) says there are four ways that Jesus Christ has the title of Son of God.

1. By generation, as begotten of God (Luke 1:35)
   
2. By commission, as sent from God (John 10:34, 36)
   
3. By resurrection, as the firstborn (Acts 13:32, 33)
   
4. By actual possession, as heir of all (Hebrews 1:2, 5)

Some have taken Pearson's insights and suggested that there should be a fifth added. Jesus Christ is the Son of God because of His divine nature. "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him." 1 John 4:9

It is significant that our Savior is also the Son of God. This reality shows the depth of His union with God the Father and encourages us since we know that He is now our advocate before the Father. "...And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous." 1 John 1:2

I know many who struggle over past sins. They wonder, "will God really forgive this or that, or have I done too much wrong." It can be a great comfort knowing we have the very Son of God as our Advocate before the Father and that when we stand before God we will not be standing alone, but rather we will be able to stand in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ will be our righteousness. Jeremiah 33:16 Therefore, there is freedom for the Christian from the guilt of sin and the fear and pain that come with the guilt we often feel because of past sins. The Sonship of Christ, our union with Him, and His relationship with the Father, all help lead to the comfort of knowing that our sins, all our sins, are forgiven in Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

tim@cfdevotionals.org
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