The Only Begotten Son of God vs. The Firstborn Son of God in Resurrection

 

The Only Begotten Son of God vs. The Firstborn Son of God in Resurrection

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son"

Romans 8:29 "That He might be the firstborn among many brothers"

 

Aspect	The Only Begotten Son	The Firstborn Son
Definition	God's unique Son in eternity, possessing only divinity	Son of God after resurrection, possessing both divinity and humanity
Origin	Eternally the Son of God, having complete divine nature	Through incarnation and resurrection process, bringing humanity into divine sonship
Time Point	In eternity past	After resurrection
Essential Characteristics	- Only divinity - No humanity - Unique and singular	- Both divinity and humanity - Firstborn among many - Has many brothers
Related Scriptures	- John 3:16  "For God so loved the world  that He gave His only begotten Son"	- Romans 8:29 "That He might be the firstborn among many brothers" - Acts 13:33 regarding Christ being begotten as God's Son in resurrection - 1 Peter 1:3 regarding regeneration through Christ's resurrection
Application	Indicates Christ's original divine identity	- Enables believers to become sons of God - Believers conform to the image of the Firstborn Son - Believers partake of divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) - Believers co-resurrect with Christ
Distinction	- Only Christ is God's only begotten Son - Shows Christ's unique divinity	- Christ is the firstborn, bringing in many brothers - Pioneers the way for humanity to enter divine sonship - Enables believers to become sons of God

 

This comparison reveals God's marvelous work in Christ: from the eternal only begotten Son, through incarnation and resurrection, becoming God's firstborn Son, not only maintaining His unique divine status but also bringing in many believers as sons of God. This is a crucial revelation in God's salvation plan.

 

*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 13 David’s descendants become the sons of God