Introduction
The bible is the only book that has gained readership all over the world. People regard it as a holy book according it its due respect based on its inspiring message that has always provided light and guidance in their lives.
However, despite the respect, it has as well received some criticisms from the anti-Christians who declare the book contradictory providing an imaginary rather than a working truth only for the unfortunate or the poor in the society (Caralynn Para. 1).
The issue of Jesus receiving the title of ‘the son of God’ for instance has received different interpretation with the critics and adherents airing out their views concerning the phrase. While the critics declare the phrase a myth claiming that God did not have a wife and hence a son, the paper clearly points Jesus as not just a son but ‘the only begotten son of God’ based on his unique birth by a virgin Mary, as prophesied many years before his actual birth.
Literary aspects
People have tried to come up with fabrication concerning the issue of Jesus being referred to as the son of God. They have raised questions as to whether God had a wife with whom to get a child like Jesus as all people believe in the participation of a male and a female for birth to occur (Lai 276).
The Holy Spirit comes in as God in the holy trinity. Therefore, since Mary conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit and hence God, people have interpreted Mary as the wife with whom God, the holy spirit used to bear Jesus hence passing him for the son of God.
Historical aspect
There are various accounts or illustrations in the four gospels that the word “son” is used. The words stand out in different contexts, which to some extent have caused some debate on the meaning of the word “Son of God”. Jesus was called the Son of God to mean the chosen one on behave of God to come and rescue the people of the world who were sinners. He was thus a living testimony for God’s promise to provide salvation to the world.
For instance in the book of Mark (King James Version, Mk 13.32), Jesus Christ refers to himself as “Son”. It reads, “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but the Father alone”. In this context, I think Jesus meant that He was not equated to the father. Instead, it was God the Almighty, who sent him to the world and that he had no power to do anything on his own but his Father in Heaven guided him.
Complexities in Bible
Any attempts to raise contradictions or negative views about the bible come in handy with a big criticism and objections from the mainstream believers of the holy book (Krause and Ellison 295). There is also some contradictions and complexities in understanding the story of creation requiring clarification on how Jesus participated in the creation only for him to be born later as a man (Jn 1.1-4).
One might ask, ‘Who was he before his birth and where had he come from?’ This question has proved answerless even to the theologians of today. These complexities are further evident in various books (King James Version, Psa.74, Jb. 38, Psa.104 and Gen.1). There are different views by people on the meaning of Jesus being called Son of God.
In the current world today, this has stirred different reactions. Today, people have interpreted the verse to mean that, only God, the Almighty in heaven has power over the death and the living. When referred to by the title ‘Son of God’, by Nathanael, Jesus does not refute it.
This therefore demonstrates that Jesus actually accepted the title thus depicting that he was really the Son of God who was sent to deliver the children of Israel. This verse therefore affirms the reality and it currently still has a significant contribution to the beliefs the people attribute to Jesus as being the Son of God. Jesus affirms to the beliefs of Nathaniel and it is a clear evidence to illustrate the fact that Jesus indeed is the Son of God.
Furthermore, in John 10.36-37, Jesus affirms that he is the son of God by saying, “do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world.” You are blaspheming,” because I said, “I am the son of God, “if I do not do the works of my father, do not believe me”. Jesus himself confirms that he is the son of God and he was actually sent by the Father to carry out specific tasks that must be accomplished.
Some of the tasks included performance of miracles and dying on the cross for the sake of the sins of the humankind. In reference to this, Jesus calls himself as Son of God sent to accomplish the tasks. Therefore, this proves that in fact Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The argument against this assertion in the current times does not really hold water since, most of the Christians believe in Jesus as the son of God as witnessed in their prayers and sermons across the world.
Another verse written by apostle John in the book of John 20:31 (KJV), states that, “but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” The verse implies that indeed those who believe in the word of God are going to have eternal life. Therefore, Apostle John is also of the view that indeed Jesus is the son of God.
Argument/Counter-Argument
The issue of Jesus being the son of God welcomes a very hot debate, not only from the readers of the bible today, but also from people who lived in the era of Jesus. For instance, the arguments by the Pharisees and the opponents of the teaching of Christ aim at portraying Jesus Christ as not being the son of God by asserting that, he was just but claiming equality to God.
This stands out in John 19.7 where he says, “the Jews answered him…we have a law, and by that law He ought to die because he made himself out to be the Son of God.” Therefore, the arguments against the claim of Jesus being the Son of God comes out clearly and even up to date, various people and religious groups have continued to deny the fact that indeed Jesus Christ is really the Son of God.
However, in a counter-argument, Joseph, Mary’s husband stands out as the most surprised after realizing the pregnancy of his wife, as he had not participated in the process. This then qualifies Jesus as one born of God and hence His son.