Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Sons of God

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The term "Sons of God" is a significant title found within the Holy Scriptures, denoting a special relationship between God and certain individuals or groups. This title is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, reflecting both a literal and spiritual kinship with the Divine.

1. Old Testament Usage:
· In the Old Testament, the phrase "Sons of God" appears in several passages, often referring to angelic beings. For instance, in the Book of Job, it is written, "One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them" (Job 1:6). Here, the term is understood to describe heavenly beings who stand in the presence of God.
· Another notable mention is in Genesis 6:2, where "the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose" . This passage has been the subject of much theological debate, with interpretations ranging from angelic beings to the godly lineage of Seth.

2. New Testament Usage:
· In the New Testament, the title "Sons of God" takes on a more profound and personal meaning for believers. It signifies the spiritual adoption and transformation of individuals who have faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle John writes, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). This passage highlights the privilege and identity bestowed upon believers as members of God's family.
· The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this concept in his epistle to the Romans: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). Here, Paul emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in affirming the believer's status as a child of God, indicating a life led by divine guidance and empowerment.
· Additionally, in Galatians 3:26, Paul declares, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" . This statement underscores the universal nature of this spiritual adoption, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries, and uniting all believers in Christ.

3. Theological Implications:
· The title "Sons of God" carries profound theological implications, particularly concerning the believer's identity and inheritance. As sons and daughters of God, Christians are called to live in a manner that reflects their divine heritage, embodying the values and virtues of the Kingdom of God.
· This identity also assures believers of their future inheritance, as Paul writes in Romans 8:17, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him" . The promise of being co-heirs with Christ offers hope and encouragement, motivating believers to persevere in their faith.

4. Practical Application:
· Understanding oneself as a "Son of God" calls for a life of holiness, love, and service. It challenges believers to reflect God's character in their daily interactions and to pursue a deeper relationship with Him.
· This identity also fosters a sense of community and unity among believers, as they recognize their shared status as children of the same Heavenly Father. It encourages mutual support, accountability, and the building up of one another in love.

In summary, the title "Sons of God" is a multifaceted term that encompasses both the heavenly realm and the earthly experience of believers. It signifies a privileged relationship with God, marked by spiritual adoption, divine guidance, and the promise of eternal inheritance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:15
That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the middle of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:1,2
Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... to rise and be the shepherd of the saints, but Christ. ... omit consideration of most
of the great names we have ... As to the former titles, they look for any account ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

Proof of the Catholic Sense of the Word Son. Power, Word or Reason ...
... but if He be less than the names, yet He ... and of the generation from the Father these
titles are tokens ... to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iv proof of the catholic.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour ... He blesses them in their souls, bodies, names,
estate, posterity ... The zeal and love of the saints is blown up by sufferings ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy
and triumph of saints. ... There are several names and titles in Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm

To John the Oeconomus.
... was called Jesus and Christ, receiving the names from the ... But this common use of
titles gives no offence ... idols the divine name, while the saints have received ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm

Acts XI
... special reference to character, they were called saints. ... of mystic Babylon, and the
swelling titles by which ... the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

Articles of Religion.
... of images as of reliques, and also invocation of saints, is a ... Of Homilies."The second
Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we ... "Of the Names of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm

Contents and Character of the Extant Works.
... besides, He wished to shew the saints the Kingdom ... Accordingly, from the titles, some
have been attributed to ... two: and that divine Scripture names Him sometimes ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/ix contents and character of the.htm

City of God
... Which are Not Inappropriately Signified by the Names Light and ... Chapter 22.--That
the Bodies of the Saints Shall After the ... 22.--Of the Fall of the Sons of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Messiah the Son of God
... for the faith once delivered to the saints, have laboured ... and faithfulness, it is
obvious that these names, when applied ... They are both the titles of MESSIAH. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvii messiah the son.htm