The Significance of Christ’s Sonship

“…direct from the Father issues the light of his glory. The heavens were opened, and beams of glory rested upon the Son of God, and assumed the form of a dove, in appearance like burnished gold. The dove-like form was emblematical of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. While the people stood spell-bound with amazement, their eyes fastened upon Christ, from the opening heavens came these words: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The words of confirmation that Christ is the Son of God was given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to sustain the Son of God in his arduous work. Notwithstanding the Son of God was clothed with humanity, yet Jehovah, with his own voice, assures him of his sonship with the Eternal. In this manifestation to his Son, God accepts humanity as exalted through the excellence of his beloved Son.”  {2SP 60}

“The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each. God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.

This unity is expressed also in the seventeenth chapter of John, in the prayer of Christ for His disciples: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” John 17:20-23.

Wonderful statement! The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one….” (CCh 76)

“I Am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; Yet not I, but Christ . . . !”  Galatians 2:20

“It is only as we behold Jesus that we desire to become like Him . . . !     Only as we view His Righteousness do we hunger and thirst to possess it. Only as we ask in earnest prayer (with faith), and with the humility and simplicity of a little child, can God grant us our heart’s desire. Such prayer is heard and answered . . . .

“For he that cometh to God must believe that He Is, and that He Is a rewarder of all those that diligently seek Him . . . And let him ask in faith, nothing wavering . . . for He is faithful that hath Promised . . . !”     Hebrews 11:6, James 1:6-7 & Hebrews 10:23

The Lord is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to those who earnestly desire it than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. Christ has Promised the Holy Spirit to guide us into all Truth . . . and Thy Word is Truth ! . . . and righteousness and holiness. The Spirit of God is not given by measure to those who earnestly seek for it, who by faith stand upon the Promises of God.

They plead the pledged Word of God, saying, “Thou hast said it. I will take Thee at Thy Word . . . !”

The Comforter is given that He (It) may take of the things of Christ and show them unto us, that He may present in their rich assurance the Words that fell from His lips, and convey them with Living (Life-giving) power to the soul who is obedient (who walks by faith), who is emptied of self. It is then that the soul receives the Image and superscription of the Divine. Then Christ is formed within, the hope of glory ! – Special Testimonies, July 15, 1908