Lord’s Day 13
Q33. Why is Jesus called God's only Son when we are also called children of God?
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We are adopted children of God — adopted by grace through Christ.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
John 1:1, 14, 18
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Hebrews 1:1–2
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”
John 1:12
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Romans 8:14–17
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”
Ephesians 1:5–6
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What is the difference between how Jesus is God's Son and how we are called God's children?
- 2
What does it mean to be "adopted" by God?
- 3
How does it comfort you to know that God chose to adopt you into his family through Jesus?
Illustration
In a family, one child might be born into the family while another is adopted. Both are fully loved and fully part of the family, but they became part of it in different ways. Jesus is God's Son by nature, from all eternity. We become God's children by adoption, through grace, because of what Jesus did for us.
Application
This week, when you feel like you do not belong or like you are not good enough, remember that God adopted you through Christ. You did not earn a place in his family. He chose you and brought you in. Ask God to help you feel the comfort of being his child.