Jesus Christ in the New Testament

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The Son – Jesus Christ in the New Testament: Revelation, Relationship, and Redemptive Authority

1. Introduction

The New Testament (NT) reveals Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God, the incarnate Word, and the fulfilment of all Old Testament hope. While the Old Testament anticipates the coming of the Son through types and prophecies, the NT brings the Son into full view through His birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and exaltation. The NT does not merely describe Jesus as a prophet or teacher but establishes Him as the divine Son, the second person of the Trinity, and the centre of God’s redemptive plan.

2. Title and Identity: “Son of God” and “Son of Man”

The NT refers to Jesus using a variety of titles that establish His divine identity, messianic mission, and human solidarity:

Title UsedMeaning and ImplicationKey Verses
Son of GodDivine Sonship; unique relationship with the FatherMatt. 3:17; John 5:18; Heb. 1:5
Only Begotten (monogenēs)Unique, eternal Son, not createdJohn 1:14, 3:16
Son of ManMessianic and eschatological figure from Daniel 7Matt. 26:64; Mark 14:62
Beloved SonTitle of divine approval and affectionMatt. 17:5; Col. 1:13

These titles collectively affirm that Jesus is both divine and human, fulfilling OT categories while expanding their meaning.

3. The Son’s Relationship with the Father

Central to NT Christology is Jesus’ intimate, eternal relationship with the Father:

  • John 1:1–2 – “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.”
  • John 5:19–23 – The Son does nothing apart from the Father; they share honour.
  • John 17 – Jesus’ high priestly prayer reveals pre-incarnate glory and divine unity.

Jesus speaks frequently of “My Father”, affirming His unique Sonship—not of adoption but of eternal generation. Unlike believers who become sons by grace, Jesus is Son by nature.

4. The Son’s Role in Creation and Revelation

The NT affirms that the Son was active in creation and is the final revelation of God:

  • Colossians 1:15–17 – “By Him all things were created… He is before all things.”
  • Hebrews 1:1–3 – God has now spoken by His Son, the radiance of His glory.
  • John 1:3 – “Through Him all things were made.”

This asserts the Son’s pre-existence, His role as agent of creation, and His supremacy over all revelation.

5. The Incarnation of the Son

The NT records the miraculous incarnation of the eternal Son into human flesh:

  • Matthew 1:23 – “Immanuel – God with us.”
  • Luke 1:35 – The Holy Spirit will overshadow Mary; the child will be called the Son of God.
  • John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

In the incarnation, the Son remains fully divine while becoming truly human, able to suffer, empathise, and mediate on behalf of humanity (cf. Heb. 2:17–18; Phil. 2:6–8).

6. The Son’s Mission: Redemption and Reconciliation

Jesus’ Sonship is not merely an ontological reality but the basis for His saving mission:

  • John 3:16–17 – “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”
  • Romans 8:3 – God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to deal with sin.
  • Galatians 4:4–5 – The Son was sent to redeem and adopt believers into sonship.

The Son’s death and resurrection secure both legal justification and relational restoration with the Father (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18–21).

7. The Son’s Resurrection and Exaltation

The NT proclaims the resurrection as both the vindication and exaltation of the Son:

  • Romans 1:4 – Declared to be the Son of God in power by the resurrection.
  • Philippians 2:9–11 – God exalted Him and gave Him the name above all names.
  • Acts 2:33–36 – Jesus is both Lord and Christ, seated at the right hand of God.

The resurrection confirms that Jesus is not merely a man, but the eternal Son glorified, possessing universal authority.

8. The Son and the Spirit

The NT shows close interaction between the Son and the Holy Spirit:

  • Baptism – The Spirit descends upon the Son (Matt. 3:16–17).
  • Ministry – Jesus is “led by the Spirit” and “empowered” by the Spirit (Luke 4:1, 18).
  • Sending of the Spirit – The exalted Son sends the Spirit to believers (John 16:7; Acts 2:33).

The Son is both filled by the Spirit and later giver of the Spirit, forming a foundational aspect of Trinitarian doctrine.

9. The Son and the Church

The NT reveals the Son as the head, foundation, and cornerstone of the Church:

  • Matthew 16:18 – “On this rock I will build my church.”
  • Ephesians 1:22–23 – Christ is head over all things for the Church.
  • Colossians 1:18 – “He is the head of the body, the Church.”

The Church is described as the bride (Eph. 5:25–27), the body (1 Cor. 12:27), and the temple (Eph. 2:20–22) of the Son.

10. The Son’s Return and Final Authority

The NT concludes with the Son as Judge and King:

  • Matthew 25:31–46 – The Son of Man returns to judge the nations.
  • Revelation 19:11–16 – The Son comes on a white horse to wage righteous war.
  • Hebrews 1:8 – “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.”

The Son will consummate the kingdom, defeat evil, and dwell eternally with His people (Rev. 21:3, 22:3–5).

11. Conclusion

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the Son in full glory—eternal, incarnate, crucified, risen, exalted, and returning. His Sonship is the lens through which all doctrine flows—revealing the Father, mediating salvation, empowering the Church, and securing eternal hope. He is not merely a son of God, but the eternal Son, worthy of worship, obedience, and everlasting trust.

12. References

  • Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel According to John. Eerdmans.
  • Wright, N. T. (2003). The Resurrection of the Son of God. SPCK.
  • Stott, J. R. W. (2006). The Cross of Christ. IVP.
  • Bauckham, R. (2008). Jesus and the God of Israel. Eerdmans.
  • Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence. Hendrickson.
  • NIV, ESV, and NRSV translations consulted.
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