Hebrews and God the Son

Many characters within the Bible had name changes. The first and most notable modifications came to Sarai and Abram.

Their names were changed to Sarah and Abraham which means “Princess” and “Father of Nations” respectively.

Their grandson, Jacob’s name meant “deceiver” until God changed his name as well making him Israel or “Prince” instead.

In the New Testament it was Simon, one of the most unconventional disciples, whose name was changed to Peter (meaning “Rock”).

Finally, Saul (meaning “prayed for”) became Paul which means “small.”

In Biblical times, God often chose for His followers specific names that related to their character or some other aspect of that person’s life. Looking at the changes that occurred in Abram and Peter’s lives, we see clearly why God called them Abraham (Father of Nations) and Peter (Rock).

Jesus, the Messiah, had a name change as well. He was not always called “Jesus” or “the Son.”

Careful study of scripture reveals that Christ in eternity past was not called “the Son of God.” Instead He Was (and Is) God as the Second Person in the Godhead. He did not become the Son until He was incarnated (or made into flesh – as a man).

But to His Son He says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.” Hebrews 1:8

This verse clearly states that God considers Jesus to be His Son and also God, a title He holds for Himself.

When talking about Christ’s eternity, the title “God” is used only when talking about His incarnation as the One He called Son.

Christ inherited a more excellent name. For God never said to any angels what He said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” Hebrews 1:5

And again God said, “I will be His Father, and He will be my Son.” In this verse taken from Psalm 2:7, it’s clear God is speaking in future tense. He will become His Father and Jesus will become His Son.

“I will be His Father, and He will be my Son.” 2 Samuel 7:14 These words were written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth. It’s prophecy regarding Jesus and His Sonship beginning in the future.

These few preceding verses indicate that Jesus’ Sonship began at a point in time, not eternity. Although Jesus existed as the Second Person in the Godhead or Trinity before time began, Jesus’ life as Son began in this world.

In John 1:1-3, John tells of Christ’s eternal nature as Creator and Lord and calls Him the “Word” not Son. John refers to Jesus as “Son” only when he says the Word became flesh.

The virgin birth introduced Jesus and His Name “the Son of God.”

So the baby born to you will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35b

Christ’s obedience in being baptized by John confirmed His Sonship.
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,[b] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,[c] with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16

CHrist’s Transfiguration before His Disciples retained His Sonship.
He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son,[a] with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5

The Resurrection finalized His Name as “the Son of God.

It is the Good News about His Son, Jesus, who came as a man, born into King David’s royal family line. And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised Him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Romans 1:3-4

All of this scriptural parsing is to say Jesus is not eternally subservient to God or less than God. To conclude that because Jesus is called Son He is not equal God or is somehow less than God is completely false.

Jesus was God before He came to earth, and only became Son once He took on flesh and walked among us. (John 1:14)

When studying such a theologically cavernous book as Hebrews, taking time to study every little piece is vital. The human understanding of Who Jesus Was and Is and Is to Come is more than important. It leads us to a deeper understanding of Jesus and the Godhead as a whole.