Summary (NotebookLM)
This Lord's Day discusses the question of why Jesus is called "God's only begotten Son" and "our Lord." The text explains the differences between the eternal sonship of Christ and the adoption of believers into God's family. It then defends the doctrine of Christ's divinity, arguing that he is a distinct person from the Father and the Holy Spirit, but of one essence with them. The commentary also addresses various objections and heresies related to Christ's divinity, elaborating on his role as mediator, redeemer, and Lord of all.
Chapter Contents: Understanding the Divinity and Lordship of Christ
I. Exposition of Question 33: "Why is He called God’s “only begotten Son,” since we also are the children of God?"
This section explores the distinction between Christ as the eternal, natural Son of God and believers as adopted children of God through grace.
It delves into different types of sonship, including natural sonship by birth and sonship by grace, highlighting how Christ embodies both.
Two tables are provided to visually represent the categories of sonship discussed.
II. Addressing Objections to Christ's Unique Sonship
This section tackles objections raised against Christ's title as the only begotten Son, primarily focusing on his relationship to believers as brethren.
It refutes the argument that Christ's brethren make him less unique by emphasizing the distinct nature of his divine sonship compared to our adoptive sonship.
Clarification is provided on the meaning of the term "only begotten" as it pertains to Christ's divine nature, not his miraculous conception.
III. Delving Deeper into the Divinity of Christ
This section outlines four key points regarding Christ's divinity, each designed to refute various heresies.
The discussion centers around whether Christ is a distinct person, separate from the Father and Holy Spirit, equal to them, and of the same substance.
IV. Establishing the Pre-Existence of Christ as a Subsistent Person
This section utilizes nine categories of scriptural evidence to demonstrate that Christ, as the Word, existed before his incarnation.
Each category presents specific biblical passages and corresponding arguments to support the claim that Christ is not merely a man but a pre-existent divine being.
V. Affirming the Distinction of the Son from the Father and Holy Spirit
This section uses Scriptural evidence to refute the idea that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are merely different aspects of the same being.
Arguments emphasize the distinct roles, actions, and attributes ascribed to each person within the Trinity.
VI. Proving the Equality of the Son with the Father and Holy Spirit
This section argues for the full divinity of Christ by demonstrating his equality with the Father and Holy Spirit.
It relies on Scriptural evidence that attributes divine names, properties, and works to Christ, showcasing his eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and immutable nature.
VII. Demonstrating the Co-Essential Nature of the Son with the Father and Holy Spirit
This section argues that Christ, while a distinct person, shares the same divine essence with the Father and Holy Spirit.
Arguments are presented based on scriptural titles, shared attributes, and unified Spirit to solidify the concept of the Trinity – three persons in one God.
VIII. General Rules for Addressing Heretical Objections
This section provides seven general rules for interpreting Scripture and responding to heretical arguments against Christ's divinity.
These rules emphasize a proper understanding of God's infinite nature and caution against misapplying finite concepts to the divine.
IX. Special Rules for Understanding Scripture
This section provides fifteen specific rules for interpreting Scripture and navigating complexities related to Christ's divinity.
It emphasizes the importance of contextual understanding, distinguishing between Christ's two natures, and recognizing the unique language used to describe divine realities.
X. Refuting Specific Sophisms Against Christ's Eternal Deity
This section refutes twelve common objections raised against Christ's divinity.
Each objection is presented and then systematically addressed using scriptural evidence and logical reasoning to uphold the orthodox view of Christ's nature.
XI. Exposition of Question 34: "Why do you call Him “our Lord”?"
This section defines the meaning of Lordship and explores the various ways Christ is considered Lord.
XII. Understanding Christ's Lordship
This section discusses how Christ is Lord by right of creation, redemption, preservation, and ordination.
It delves into the implications of each aspect of his Lordship, emphasizing our obligation to serve and worship him.
XIII. The Believer's Confession: "I Believe in Christ, Our Lord"
This section defines what it means to genuinely believe in Christ as Lord.
It highlights that true belief involves acknowledging his divine authority, recognizing his redemptive work, and submitting to his Lordship for our salvation.
What are the key arguments presented to support the divinity of Christ in the source?
Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God. The source emphasizes the distinction between Christ as the "only begotten Son" and believers as "children of God by adoption." This distinction highlights Christ's unique and eternal relationship with God the Father, setting him apart from all others.
Christ Possesses Divine Nature. The source states that the "divine essence is communicated from the Father to Christ wholly according to his Divinity," making him "the natural and only Son of God, of the same essence and nature with the Father." This argument asserts that Christ's divinity is not bestowed but inherent, shared with the Father from eternity.
Christ Performs Divine Works. The source presents a list of divine works attributed to Christ, including creation, preservation, and governance of all things, as well as actions specific to the salvation of the Church, such as sending prophets and apostles, revealing the doctrine of salvation, instituting sacraments, forgiving sins, and granting eternal life. These works, requiring infinite power and wisdom, are presented as evidence of Christ’s divine nature.
Christ is Worthy of Divine Honor and Worship. The source argues that Christ is worshipped by angels and the church, that faith and trust should be placed in him, and that he shares equal honor and worship with the Father. This argument implies that Christ, being divine, is deserving of the same reverence and adoration as God the Father.
Scriptural Titles and Attributes Affirm Christ’s Divinity. The source cites passages where Christ is called "Lord," "Word," "Wisdom of God," "God," and "Jehovah." These titles, coupled with the attribution of divine properties such as eternity, omnipotence, and omniscience, aim to solidify the argument for Christ's divinity.
The source extensively uses scriptural evidence and theological reasoning to build a case for Christ's divinity, emphasizing his unique relationship with the Father, his inherent possession of divine nature, his performance of divine works, and his worthiness of divine honor and worship.
What different ways are sons of God categorized, and how does Christ's relationship to God relate to these categories?
The sources outline several ways individuals can be categorized as "sons of God." Christ's relationship to God fits into some of these categories, but in unique ways that distinguish him from all others.
Born Sons
Natural Sons: These individuals inherit the essence and nature of their parents, either wholly or in part. Humans are natural sons of their parents, inheriting their human nature.
Christ, in his divine nature, is the natural Son of God, wholly inheriting the divine essence of the Father. This means he is of the same essence and nature as God, eternally begotten from the Father's substance.
Sons by Grace: These sons are designated as such from the moment they begin to exist.
Angels and pre-fall Adam were sons of God by the grace of creation. God created them to be his sons and to acknowledge him as their Father. This is an improper use of the term "born" but signifies their simultaneous existence and sonship.
Christ, in his human nature, is the Son of God by the grace of conception by the Holy Spirit and union with the Word. This means his human nature was formed without sin from the Virgin Mary and united with his divine nature from the moment of his conception.
Adopted Sons
These individuals exist before being adopted and become sons by the law and will of their adopter.
Post-fall Adam and all regenerated individuals are adopted sons of God. They are received into God's favor for the sake of Christ, his natural Son.
Christ's Dual Sonship
The sources emphasize that Christ is the only begotten Son of God in two ways:
According to his Divinity: He was eternally begotten from the Father's substance.
According to his Humanity: He was uniquely conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin.
Christ's Firstborn Status
Christ is also called the "first begotten" in two ways:
According to his Divinity: This denotes both his temporal priority and superior dignity.
According to his Humanity: This signifies his superior dignity due to his miraculous conception and the gifts he possesses above all others.
Distinction from Other "Sons"
The sources repeatedly highlight the distinction between Christ's sonship and that of others. He is the "only begotten Son" which underscores his unique relationship with the Father. He is "God's own Son" because he was begotten, not adopted. Angels are sons by creation, and regenerated people are sons by adoption, but only Christ is the natural Son of God.
Brotherhood with Christ
While emphasizing Christ's unique sonship, the sources explain that believers are called "brethren of Christ" based on:
Shared human nature and descent from Adam.
Christ's fraternal love for them.
Conformity to Christ in righteousness and blessedness.
Participation in the benefits of Christ's work.
This brotherhood does not diminish Christ's status as the only begotten Son, as believers are not sons in the same way as Christ. They are adopted, not naturally born of God.
Tables of Sonship
The sources include two tables (Tables of the Sons of God, and Another Table of those who are the Sons of God) visually representing the categories of sonship and highlighting Christ's distinct position.
How does the author address the objections of heretics and defend the doctrine of the Trinity?
The author addresses the objections of various heretics and defends the doctrine of the Trinity through a systematic approach.
He first establishes the deity of Christ by explaining how Christ is the "only begotten Son of God" while we are children of God by "adoption, through grace, for His sake."
He meticulously distinguishes between natural sons, who inherit the essence of their parents, and adopted sons, who gain the rights of sonship through law and the will of the adopter. This distinction emphasizes Christ's unique position as the natural Son possessing the divine essence of the Father.
The author then outlines four key propositions to defend Christ's divinity:
Christ has a distinct personal existence beyond his human body and soul.
This person is distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit.
He is equal to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
He shares the same essence (consubstantial) with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
To support these propositions, the author employs scriptural evidence categorized into nine classes. These classes include:
Passages distinguishing Christ's two natures – human and divine.
Declarations identifying Christ as God’s proper Son, begotten from the Father's substance.
Scriptures referring to Christ as the "only begotten Son", emphasizing his unique relationship with the Father.
Testimonies ascribing the title "Son of God" to Christ before his incarnation, highlighting his pre-existence.
Passages attributing divine works to the Son before becoming human, further demonstrating his eternal existence and divine nature.
Declarations referencing Christ as the "Word", a distinct person existing before assuming human form.
Scriptures identifying Christ as the Wisdom of God, eternal and begotten, reinforcing his pre-existence and Sonship.
Passages about Christ's role as Mediator, responsible for gathering and preserving the church from the beginning, implying his existence prior to incarnation.
Explicitly calling Christ the "true God" and ascribing divine properties and works to him.
The author utilizes these categories of scripture to refute various heretical beliefs, such as those espoused by Ebion, Cerinthus, Samosatenus, Photinus, Servetus, Arius, Eunomius, and Sabellius. These refutations dismantle arguments claiming that Christ is merely a mortal man, adopted son, or a created being rather than eternally begotten from God's substance.
The author also provides general and special rules for interpreting scripture and refuting heretical arguments. These rules emphasize judging God based on scriptural revelation, distinguishing between finite and infinite natures, differentiating Christ's human and divine natures, and recognizing the equality of the Trinity despite distinct roles.
Finally, the author directly addresses common sophisms employed by heretics to deny the Son’s eternal deity, systematically refuting each point using scriptural evidence and logical reasoning.
This comprehensive approach utilizes scriptural interpretation, logical reasoning, and direct refutation of heretical claims to solidify the doctrine of the Trinity against opposing viewpoints. The author's rigorous arguments underscore the importance of accurately understanding Christ's nature and relationship with the Father for achieving salvation.