Son of God

This phrase appears about 42 times in the New Testament, preeminently as describing Jesus. The meaning is Jesus is God's Son. Now the word translated as "son" usually refers to a biological offspring, thus a "son" would be thought of as being fathered or created by another. However, we know that Logos, the Second Person of the Trinity, was termed "Son" as being forever and ever, thus eternal, thus never created.

Some, in my opinion mistakenly, think Logos became a "son" when Logos became "flesh" (God incarnate) but the majority view is that Logos functioned in His subordinate role, one who fulfills the Father's purpose, eternally.

However, if we take an alternate view, then the Greek word translated "son" does not always refer to something fathered or originated, but rather as someone who follows and obeys another. Thus when we see "Son of God" and think "God's Son, as if God originated Him, we are on the wrong track. Rather the idea is actually God's emissary. "An emissary is often a person who is sent somewhere in order to act as a representative."

Now is it not also true that Mary, while a virgin conceived Jesus? Of course it is true! Since she was a virgin, and therefore had never been "penetrated" (to use a euphemism) either her egg was supernaturally fertilized or God created Jesus within her womb ex nilo. Scripture can support either view, but since He is referred to as being a blood line descendant of David, through Mary, I lean toward the supernaturally fertilized egg possibility.

But to repeat, I do not think that is what is meant by the usage of "Son of God" phrase, but rather the phrase refers to His mission on earth.

Let us consider one of the early uses of the phrase, Matthew 4:6-7. Here Satan says (paraphrasing) "if you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, because God's word says His angels will catch you." But Jesus answers by citing God's word not to test God, thus acting as God's emissary.

Several verses indicate the designation "Son of God" refers to the Anointed One, the Christ, the Messiah. See Matthew 26:63, Luke 4:41, John 11:27, John 20:31, Romans 1:4, 2 Corinthians 1:19, Galatians 2:20 and 1 John 5:20.

In summary, when we see the phrase "Son of God" we should see both truths being conveyed. One, Jesus is God incarnate, God the Son, and two, Jesus is God's emissary, bringing God's gift of eternal life to those who believe, even in His name.