Table of Contents
The term “only begotten Son” is a significant phrase in Christian theology, reflecting the unique and divine nature of Jesus Christ. This term underscores Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father and His divine nature. Understanding this term is crucial in addressing misconceptions about Jesus’ divinity, especially in contrast to beliefs held by Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims, who argue that Jesus was created and not divine. This exploration will delve into the meaning of “only begotten Son,” highlight the divinity of Jesus, and address common misconceptions.
Meaning of “Only Begotten Son”
The term “only begotten Son” (Greek: μονογενής, monogenēs) appears primarily in the New Testament and is used to describe the unique status of Jesus Christ in relation to God the Father.
John 3:16 (NKJV):
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
This well-known verse highlights the uniqueness of Jesus as the “only begotten Son” of God. The term “only begotten” signifies that Jesus is the singular and unique Son of God, emphasizing His distinct and unparalleled relationship with the Father.
The Greek translation of the phrase “only begotten” is monogenes. The word monogenes that is based on the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BAGD, 3rd Edition), has two basic meanings:
The first meaning is “pertaining to being the only one of its kind within a specific relationship” which appears in Hebrews 11:17 and refers to the relationship between Isaac, Abraham’s “only begotten son” (KJV). Although Abraham had two sons, Isaac was the only son as far as God’s covenant with Abraham is concerned.
The second meaning is “pertaining to being the only one of its kind or class, unique in kind” which appears in John 3:16 and refers to Jesus being the unique Son of God (John 20:31) in comparison to God’s other sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5).
The terms “Father” and “Son” explain the relationship between them in the Godhead. Jesus is the only begotten of the Father (John 1:14) and the Father proclaims Jesus as His Son (Hebrews 1:8). How Jesus is begotten is not fully understood by humans (Hebrews 7:3). God is a Spirit (John 4:24) and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).
John 1:14 (NKJV):
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
In this passage, “only begotten” further underscores Jesus’ unique divine nature and His embodiment of the Father’s glory.
John 1:18 (NKJV):
“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”
This verse emphasizes that Jesus, as the “only begotten Son,” reveals and makes known the Father, indicating His intimate and unique relationship with God.
Significance of “Only Begotten” in Christian Theology
The term “only begotten” emphasizes several theological points:
- Uniqueness and Exclusivity: Jesus is described as the “only begotten Son” to highlight His unique status and relationship with God, distinguishing Him from all other beings.
- Eternal Relationship: The term implies an eternal and intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, suggesting His divine nature and eternal existence.
- Divine Nature: Jesus’ designation as the “only begotten Son” indicates His divine nature and equality with God, contrasting with created beings.
Hebrews 1:5 (NKJV):
“For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You’? And again: ‘I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son’?”
This verse from Hebrews contrasts Jesus with angels, affirming His unique status as the Son of God and emphasizing His divine nature.
Divine Nature of Jesus Christ
The divinity of Jesus is a central tenet of Christian belief, supported by various New Testament passages that affirm His divine nature and equality with God.
John 1:1 (NKJV):
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This passage clearly states that Jesus, referred to as “the Word,” is not only with God but is God Himself, affirming His divinity.
Colossians 2:9 (NKJV):
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
Paul affirms that the fullness of the divine nature dwells in Jesus bodily, highlighting His complete divinity.
Philippians 2:6 (NKJV):
“Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,”
Jesus is described as being in the form of God and equal with God, reinforcing His divine nature and equality with the Father.
Misconceptions from Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses hold that Jesus is not divine but rather a created being. This view contradicts the New Testament teachings about the divinity of Jesus.
John 1:3 (NKJV):
“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
This verse asserts that Jesus, the Word, is the agent of creation, indicating His pre-existence and divine nature, contrary to the belief that He is a created being.
Revelation 3:14 (NKJV):
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:'”
Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret “the Beginning of the creation of God” to mean that Jesus is the first created being. However, the term “Beginning” in this context refers to Jesus as the origin or source of creation rather than a created being Himself.
Hebrews 1:10-12 (NKJV):
“And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.'”
The reference to Jesus as the Lord who created the heavens and the earth clearly contradicts the idea of Him being a created being.
Misconceptions from Islam
Islamic teachings, particularly in the Qur’an, reject the divinity of Jesus, regarding Him as a prophet and not the Son of God. This belief contrasts with the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus’ divine nature.
Qur’an 4:171 (Sahih International):
“O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a spirit from Him…”
Islamic teachings emphasize that Jesus is a messenger and not divine, which contrasts sharply with the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus as God incarnate.
Qur’an 5:116 (Sahih International):
“The Day when Allah will say, ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?’ He will say, ‘Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I had no right.'”
This passage reflects the Islamic rejection of the divinity of Jesus and the concept of the Trinity, which is contrary to Christian doctrine.
John 20:28 (NKJV):
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!'”
Thomas’ declaration of Jesus as “My Lord and my God” affirms the divinity of Jesus, which contradicts Islamic teachings.
Scriptural Evidence of Jesus’ Eternal Nature
The divinity of Jesus is further supported by Scripture indicating His eternal nature, which is incompatible with the concept of Jesus being a created being.
Revelation 1:8 (NKJV):
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.'”
Jesus’ self-identification as the Alpha and Omega denotes His eternal nature, affirming His divinity.
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV):
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
This verse underscores the unchanging nature of Jesus, aligning with His divine, eternal existence.
Micah 5:2 (NKJV):
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
This Old Testament prophecy refers to the Messiah’s eternal nature, aligning with the New Testament teaching of Jesus’ divinity. Jesus’ divine nature is crucial for His role as the sole mediator between humanity and God. Let us review more verses:
- Jesus is divine (John 1:1, 14, 8:58, 10:30; 1 John 5:7; John 20:28; Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30)
- Jesus is eternal (Micah 5:2; John 8:58)
- Jesus is omnipresent (Matthew 18:20; 28:20; I John 5:7)
- Jesus is omniscient (Mark 11:2-6; Matthew 12:40)
- Jesus is omnipotent (Revelation 19:6; Matthew 28:18)
- Jesus is the Creator (John 1-3, Colossians 1:16, and Hebrews 1:2) Jesus is sinless (Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
- Jesus is worshiped, which is forbidden unless He is God (Revelation 22:9; John 9:38; Matthew 14:33; Luke 24:52)
- Jesus forgives sins, which only God can do (Mark 2:5-7)
Theological Implications of Jesus’ Divinity
Understanding Jesus as the “only begotten Son” and His divinity has profound theological implications:
- Redemption and Salvation: Jesus’ divinity is essential for His role in redemption. As God incarnate, His sacrifice on the cross is sufficient for the atonement of sin and the provision of eternal life.
- Authority and Sovereignty: Jesus’ divine nature affirms His authority over creation and His sovereignty in fulfilling God’s plan.
- Relationship with Believers: The divine nature of Jesus ensures that believers have a relationship with a Savior who is both fully God and fully man, able to empathize with their struggles while providing divine assistance.
John 14:6 (NKJV):
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”
Conclusion
The term “only begotten Son” in the New Testament reveals the unique and divine nature of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His unparalleled relationship with God the Father and His eternal existence. This designation highlights Jesus’ divinity and affirms His role in redemption, justification, and reconciliation.
Contrary to the claims of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims that Jesus was created and not divine, the New Testament presents a clear and consistent picture of Jesus as God incarnate, the eternal Son of God, and the Savior of humanity. The scriptural evidence supports the divinity of Jesus and the theological implications of His unique status as the “only begotten Son” of God.
Understanding this term in its biblical context affirms the core Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus and counters misconceptions that challenge His eternal and divine nature.