April 18, 2004

THE SON OF GOD

"Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God' " (Matthew 14:33, NIV).

The Bible is like an elegant art gallery with a stunning selection of great portraits of Jesus. Among the most favored and revered is the one titled "Son of God." This grand portrait expresses Christ's divinity, identity, and personality.

The title, "Son of God," shines with a special luster throughout the Scriptures where it occurs over fifty times. Variations of the title are many. He is the "Son of God," the "Son of the Highest," "Son of the living God," the "Only-begotten Son," etc. All these titles have one thing in common--they affirm the preexistence and divinity of our wonderful Saviour and Lord.

The importance of the title, "Son of God," in the salvation of the human race is reflected in the Father's repeated public endorsement of His Son. Prior to Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the angelic announcement was "The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35, NIV). In a dramatic public endorsement of Christ at His baptism, the Father audibly declared Him to be "My Son, whom I love" (Luke 3:22, NIV). In a majestic dress rehearsal of the second advent on the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father again verbally endorsed Jesus as "My Son, whom I love" (Matthew 17:5, NIV).

The centurion and those who witnessed Christ's death on the cross, spoke for all humanity when they confessed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54, NIV). "The Lord sent His Son into the world that, through faith in Him, they might contemplate God in Christ, and approach the infinite Father in the name of His Son."--Review and Herald, September 11, 1894.

My Prayer Today: Lord, with the disciples at the Sea of Galilee, I confess, "Truly you are the Son of God." Amen.