The Eternal Son, True God and True Man
(Mk 1:1; Lk 1:35; Jn 1:1–14; Mt 3:17; Mt 17:5; Rom 1:3–4)
Biblical Identity and Primary References
Jesus Christ is proclaimed throughout Sacred Scripture as the Son of God in a unique and absolute sense. This title does not signify adoption, honor, or moral closeness alone, but expresses His divine identity, eternal origin, and consubstantial unity with the Father.
Primary references include Mk 1:1; Mt 3:17; Mt 17:5; Lk 1:35; Jn 1:1–14; Jn 10:30, 36; Jn 20:31; Rom 1:3–4; Heb 1:1–5.
Historical and Cultural Background
In the ancient Near East and within Israel’s Scriptures, the phrase “son of God” could refer to angels, Israel as a nation, righteous individuals, or kings chosen by God. However, these usages were metaphorical or relational, never implying equality with God.
When Jesus claimed divine sonship, especially using intimate language for God as Father, His contemporaries recognized the radical nature of the claim. This is why religious authorities accused Him of blasphemy—because He made Himself equal with God (Jn 5:18).
Detailed Biblical Biography
The Gospels affirm Jesus’ divine sonship from the beginning. Mark introduces Him as “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mk 1:1). At the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel reveals that Jesus’ conception is the work of the Holy Spirit and that He will be called the Son of God (Lk 1:35).
At His Baptism, the Father’s voice declares Jesus as His beloved Son (Mt 3:17). This affirmation is repeated at the Transfiguration, commanding the disciples to listen to Him (Mt 17:5). Jesus Himself explicitly claims this identity, declaring His unity with the Father (Jn 10:30) and defending His right to be called the Son of God (Jn 10:36).
John’s Gospel reveals the deepest theological meaning of this title: the Son is the eternal Word who was with God and is God, and who became flesh for our salvation (Jn 1:1, 14). After the Resurrection, Thomas’ confession—“My Lord and my God!”—confirms Jesus’ divine sonship in light of His victory over death (Jn 20:28).
References in Other Parts of the Bible
The Psalms anticipate a divine Son enthroned by God (Ps 2:7). The Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the Son as the perfect revelation of God, superior to angels and sharing God’s very nature (Heb 1:1–5).
St. Paul teaches that Jesus is descended from David according to the flesh but declared Son of God in power by the Resurrection (Rom 1:3–4). The First Letter of John affirms that believing in Jesus as the Son of God is essential for eternal life (1 Jn 5:5, 12).
Jewish Tradition and Understanding
While Jewish tradition recognized “sons of God” in various senses—angels, Israel, kings, and the righteous—it did not conceive of a divine Son sharing God’s essence. Jesus’ claim went beyond all previous categories and demanded a radical rethinking of God’s self-revelation.
This explains both the profound faith of His followers and the intense opposition He faced.
Catholic Interpretation and Teaching
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father (CCC 441–445; 464). His divine sonship is the foundation of the doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation.
Jesus is true God and true man, possessing two natures united in one divine Person. This mystery is central to Christian faith and worship.
Connection to Salvation History
Jesus’ identity as the Son of God stands at the heart of salvation history. Through Him, God reveals Himself fully and restores humanity’s broken relationship with the Father. The Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension are all expressions of the Son’s obedience and love, bringing salvation to the world.
In Christ, humanity is not merely forgiven but adopted as children of God.
Typology and New Testament Fulfillment
Adam, called son of God by creation, prefigures Christ, the true Son who restores what Adam lost. Israel, God’s firstborn son, anticipates Christ who fulfills Israel’s mission perfectly. Davidic kingship foreshadows the reign of the divine Son.
All previous meanings of “son of God” find their fullness and perfection in Jesus.
What Makes This Person Unique
Jesus alone is the eternal, only-begotten Son of God. He is not created, adopted, or elevated, but shares fully in the divine nature while truly becoming man for our salvation.
Strengths and Virtues
Jesus reveals perfect obedience, love, humility, truth, and communion with the Father. His life manifests divine holiness united with human compassion.
Weaknesses, Failures, or Sins
Jesus is entirely sinless. His suffering and death reveal not weakness, but the depth of divine love and self-giving.
Lessons for Christian Leadership and Witnessing
Christian leadership must be rooted in identity as children of God through Christ. Jesus teaches that true authority flows from obedience to the Father and loving service to others.
Witnessing involves proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God not only in words but through lives transformed by grace.
Reflection
Confessing Jesus as the Son of God is the foundation of Christian faith. In Him, God draws near, reveals His heart, and invites humanity into divine life. This truth calls believers to trust, worship, obedience, and love.
Through Christ, we are no longer strangers but adopted children, heirs of God’s promises, and participants in His life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Son of the Father, deepen our faith in Your divine identity; help us to live as true children of God, obedient to the Father’s will and transformed by Your love, so that our lives may bear witness to Your saving truth and lead others into the joy of communion with You. Amen.