- 2 Samuel 7:12-15 God is quoted as calling David his "son;"
- Job 38:7 has God say that the "sons of God" (literally, some translations will soften it to heavenly beings) shouted for joy;
- Psalm 2 was a Psalm used at the coronation of Jewish kings. Vs. 7 talks of the king being "begotten" as a son by God at the coronation;
- Hosea 11:1 says that God calls the nation Israel God's "son;"
- Galatians 3:25-28; Galatians 4:4-7; Romans 8:14-21; Romans 9:25-26 (and other New Testament passages) call US (yes, you and me) literally "sons" of God (many translations will change it to children, but literally it is the same Greek word used for Jesus).
Many scholars say that the term in John 3:16 that calls Jesus God's "only" Son is better translated as "unique."
The video also reminded us that in the first century Roman emperors were often called "son of god" on coins and inscriptions. In fact, Caesar Augustus was called "son of god" long before Jesus was.
What new insights does all of this insight give you into what the New Testament might really be meaning by calling Jesus AND us "sons of God?"
Are we God's sons if we do and act the way Jesus did, the way the Bible says he told us to act? What are we if we stray? How do we get back in following the parable story and not the one great way. At this time the listeners only had this parable and maybe a couple more to go by. Had "faith" been added at this time? Charlie
ReplyDeleteAre we God's sons if we do and act the way Jesus did, the way the Bible says he told us to act?
ReplyDeleteGood Question: For Paul, I'd say yes. As Romans 8 points out, one is a "son" of God IF they follow the guiding of the Spirit. However, the implication of "The Prodigal Son" is that we are a "son" of God even if we do not act like it sometimes. The good news is that God will always take us back!
Had "faith" been added at this time?
First, we have to define "faith." If we are talking a "set of beliefs," I don't think so - at least not to the extent it would become 300-400 years later.
If we are talking "trust," that has always been a part of the equation in Judaism - just look at the story of Abraham. He trusted (had faith) that God would take care of him even if he left his family and the place he was familiar with.
It is interesting to realize that in our English translations, we often see Paul saying that we should have "faith IN Christ." However, in the Greek, it is two nouns side by side: PISTISCHRISTOS (i.e. faith Christ). Many scholars say (and I believe them) that the better translation is "faith OF Christ," which I think better fits into what Paul is saying. We can be a "son" of God; we can follow the Spirit; we can do what God asks of us: if we have the same faith Christ had - a faith that said, "I don't care if they crucify me. What I'm doing is too important to be scared and give up!"
May we have the faith to do likewise!
We consider our own children extensions of ourselves. For instance, when they make mistakes, we are as embarrassed as if we had made the mistakes ourselves. On the other hand, when our children make some achievement, we feel a sense of achievement. So, if our children are an extension of us, maybe we then as "sons of God" can be an extension of God.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOW! What a great way to look at that!
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