(There are two articles on this page)
How Can Jesus Be God And The Son Of God?
by Joe R. Price
In the same way it can be said of a man that he is man and the son of man. He is human, and he came forth from humanity. In a similar way it can be said that Jesus is God (Deity, see John 1:1-3) and the “son of God” (Luke 1:35).
The expression “son of” carries the idea of being like that of which one is the “son.” For instance, a “son of peace” was one who bore the character of peace (Luke 10:6). The “sons of thunder” bore a thunderous nature (Mark 3:17). A “son of the devil” bears the traits of his father (John 8:44; Acts 13:10). Likewise, Christians are to be “sons of your Father” in heaven (Matthew 5:45).
In like manner, Jesus is God. He is Deity, the Almighty One, eternal God (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17; 2:9). He is termed the “Son of God” to speak of His divine nature and character. “Son of God” also identifies Jesus as the Messiah of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Psalms 2:7). Jesus is Immanuel (“God with us” Isaiah 7:14).
A thorough definition of “Son of God” is found in John 10:30-38. Here Jesus said, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). The Jews tried to kill him because to call God his Father was to “make yourself God” (John 10:33). However, Jesus said even their law called some men “gods” (John 10:34; Psalms 82:6), so it was not blasphemy to call the one “whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world” the “Son of God” (John 10:36). Then, in John 10:38, Jesus says that being the “Son of God” means that “the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” This is Messianic terminology (see Isaiah 9:6; II Samuel 7:13-14; Psalms 2:7; Acts 13:33; Romans 1:4; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5). And, it identifies the nature of the Messiah: He is “God with us.”
From the testimony of scripture we conclude that Jesus is God (deity) and as the “Son of God” fulfills His work and mission as the Messiah, the Savior of the world (John 17:1-5).
Who Is Your Father?
by Steven F. Deaton
We know that all of us have or had a father in the flesh. Hopefully, that same man raised us in a loving a caring environment. In the spiritual realm, we all have a Father as well. We either have God as our Father, or the devil as our father. Who is your Father? Yours is the one you hear, learn from, and please.
Jesus said of His Father, “I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him” (John 8:26). Jesus listened to God the Father and spoke those things which He heard. Who do you listen to, God or Satan, when it comes to alcohol, drugs, fornication, and adultery (Galatians 5:19-21)? You will either listen to One or the other, and that will determine who is your Father/father.
Next, Jesus said of His Father, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things” (John 8:28). Jesus was “taught” of the Father, and did that which He had learned. What have you learned? Have you learned to have bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speech, and malice, or to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving (Ephesians 4:31-32)? If the former, you have the devil as your father. If the latter, you have God as your Father (Ephesians 5:1).
Further, Jesus said of His Father, “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). Jesus pleased His Father. Who do you please? Do you cheat, lie, and steal, or are you fair, truthful, and honest (Ephesians 4:25-29)? When you sin, you please the devil and indicate that he truly is your father. When you do what is right, you please God and indicate that He is you Father.
HOW CAN GOD BE YOUR FATHER? In order for God to truly be your Father, you must be adopted into the family of God, you must be born again (Ephesians 1:5; John 3:3,5). To be born again, you must be “born of the water and of the Spirit,” that is, you must heed the Spirit's word and be baptized into Christ. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27).