The Son as God

The question of whether Jesus should be called "God" has been a central and often contentious issue throughout Christian history. Centuries of theological debate, from the Arian controversy of the fourth century to the present day, have centered on how to define the nature of the Son in relation to the Father. This article explores the complexities of this issue by examining the biblical and historical use of the term "God."

The Flexible Meaning of "God"

The word "God" has many different meanings. In ancient Hebrew and Greek, the words for "god" (Elohim and Theos) were used with a degree of flexibility that is unfamiliar to modern English speakers. These terms were not always reserved for the supreme, Almighty God. On several occasions in the Old Testament, the title Elohim is applied to human leaders, such as kings and judges, to signify their authority as representatives of God (Exodus 7:1; Psalm 45:6–7). This historical context is crucial for understanding how the early followers of Jesus might have understood titles of divinity. Consider that human kings and heroes were often also called "gods" by both Hebrew and Greek speakers.

What Scripture Affirms About the Son

The New Testament attributes extraordinary power and authority to Jesus. The majority of Christians agree that the scriptures affirm that Jesus:

• Will judge humanity and forgive sins (Matthew 10:32-33; John 5:22; 1 John 2:1; Mark 2:10)
• Will return with an army of angels (Matthew 16:27-28)
• Will rule over the world (Matthew 28:18; Psalm 2:8-12; Isaiah 42:1-4; Hebrews 2:7-8; Philippians 2:10-11)
• Has the authority to heal (John 4:46-54, 5:8-9)
• Has authority over death (John 5:21; Revelation 1:17-18)
• Looks after his people (John 10:14)
• Is eternal (Revelation 1:17-18)

These passages clearly establish a unique and exalted status for the Son. However, the question remains whether these affirmations equate to the title "God" in the absolute, monotheistic sense.

The Missing Phrase

You will never find the phrase "the Son as God" in the Bible. What you will find is "the Son of God," which has a completely different meaning.

"The Son of God" indicates relationship and origin. It describes Jesus's unique connection to the Father. This phrase appears throughout Scripture (Matthew 4:3; Mark 1:1; John 1:34; Romans 1:4; and dozens of other passages).

"The Son as God," by contrast, claims Jesus is God himself, not merely related to God. This phrase was invented by theologians to support the Trinity doctrine, but you will never find it in Scripture.

Conclusion

The Bible bestows upon Jesus the highest honors and authority, yet it consistently distinguishes between him and God the Father. This distinction is crucial for maintaining clarity in monotheistic faith.

• The term "god" had a more flexible meaning in the ancient world than it does today, and was sometimes used to refer to powerful human leaders.
• While the scriptures affirm the supreme authority of the Son, they do not use the phrase "the Son as God".

By reserving the title "God" for the Almighty Father, it is possible to fully honor the Son and all that the scriptures affirm about him, while at the same time preserving the core principles of monotheism.