The Meaning of Begotten in Biblical Concordances

According to older biblical understanding and the foundational studies of early believers, the term "begotten" identifies Jesus Christ as the Son of God by birth, signifying that He is of the same nature and substance as the FatherSITI July 7, 1887, page 407.3+2.

The Divine Nature of the Son

The term "only begotten" distinguishes Christ from all other beings in the universePTUK July 18, 1895, page 452.1. While angels are considered sons of God by creation and believers become sons by adoption, Christ is the Son of God by a unique, divine birth Job 38:7+1PTUK July 18, 1895, page 452.1. This means that He was not created like the angelic hosts but proceeded from the Father in the days of eternity Micah 5:2SITI July 7, 1887, page 407.3+1. Because He is begotten of the substance of the Father, He possesses all the attributes of Deity by nature, including original, unborrowed, and underived life John 5:26Ev 616.2+2.

Pre-existence and Equality

Early biblical research into these terms led to several key conclusions regarding Christ's identity:

• Right of Inheritance: Christ did not earn His name or His divine status through achievement; He obtained them by right of inheritance as the Son of the Father Hebrews 1:4CHR 11.4.

• A Beginning in Eternity: There was a point in the remote ages of eternity—far beyond human comprehension—when Christ came forth from the bosom of the Father John 1:18+1CHR 21.2.

• Absolute Equality: Being the "express image" of the Father, He is equal with God and is indeed God Himself Hebrews 1:3+1ST May 9, 1892, par. 1+1.

• The Source of Life: The Father has given to the Son to have life in Himself, making Christ the "Life-giver" and the fountain of immortality for all humanity John 5:26SITI December 1, 1887, page 726.2+1.

Evolution of Understanding

While some early church leaders focused on the literal implications of the word "begotten" to suggest a point of origin in the distant past, the full light of the Spirit of Prophecy has clarified that Christ is co-eternal with the FatherDD 10.1+1. To deny the eternal pre-existence of Christ or His full deity is a dangerous error that undermines the plan of redemptionDD 10.1. We understand today that the Godhead consists of three distinct, co-equal, and co-eternal persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—who have worked together for the salvation of man since the foundation of the world Genesis 1:26+1PH148 5.3+1. 😇

According to older biblical understanding and studies of Adventist pioneers, the term "begotten" identifies Jesus Christ as the Son of God by birth, signifying that He is of the same nature and substance as the FatherPTUK July 18, 1895, page 452.1+1.

The Divine Nature of the Son

The term "only begotten" distinguishes Christ from all other beings in the universePTUK July 18, 1895, page 452.1. While angels are considered sons of God by creation and believers become sons by adoption, Christ is the Son of God by a unique, divine birth Job 38:7+1PTUK July 18, 1895, page 452.1. This means that He was not created like the angelic hosts but proceeded from the Father in the days of eternity Micah 5:2CHR 21.2. Because He is begotten of the substance of the Father, He possesses all the attributes of Deity by nature, including original, unborrowed, and underived life John 5:26Ev 616.2+2.

Pre-existence and Equality

Early biblical research into these terms led to several key conclusions regarding Christ's identity:

• Right of Inheritance: Christ did not earn His name or His divine status through achievement; He obtained them by right of inheritance as the Son of the Father Hebrews 1:4SITI July 7, 1887, page 407.3+1.
• A Beginning in Eternity: There was a point in the remote ages of eternity—far beyond human comprehension—when Christ came forth from the bosom of the Father John 1:18+1CHR 21.2.
• Absolute Equality: Being the "express image" of the Father, He is equal with God and is indeed God Himself Hebrews 1:3+1ST May 9, 1892, par. 1+1.
• The Source of Life: The Father has given to the Son to have life in Himself, making Christ the "Life-giver" and the fountain of immortality for all humanity John 5:26SITI December 1, 1887, page 726.2+1.

This unique relationship between the Father and the Son is the foundation of the plan of redemptionDD 10.1+1. 😇