The term "Son" in Scripture can have various meanings, including a representation of possessing the nature of something, whether it's literal or figurative. For instance, we see phrases like "son of man," "sons of thunder," or "sons of disobedience" in the Bible (Mark 3:7; Eph 2:1). When "son of" is used concerning a person, it typically implies that the son shares the nature or characteristics of his father.
With this is mind, when we talk about Jesus as the "Son of God," it's essential to clarify that this isn't meant in a literal, physical sense as if God physically procreated Jesus. Instead, it can be thought of that "Son of God" is a special title for Jesus, showing that Jesus is really close and connected to God, sharing his nature. Jesus is unique in His nature and role, unlike any other being in creation ( John 1:14; 3:16, 18 and 1 John 4:9).
Why Is Jesus Called The Son Of God?
The Bible actually states very plainly why Jesus is God's Son. We read why in the 2nd chapter of Luke;
30. The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31. 'And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32. 'He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33. and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.' 34. Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I am a virgin?' 35. The angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.
The reason stated is that because Jesus is made from the Holy Spirit (God) and Mary that He will be called "The Son of God".
Is the Jesus the only born (begotten) son of God?
In the most famous book of the bible, many recall the KJV of John 3:16;
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The word "begotten" is also used in passages like Luke 7:12, 8:42, 9:38; John 1:18. The phrase "only begotten" comes from the Greek word μονογενής (monogenēs), traditionally thought to derive from "only" (μόνος, monos) and "to beget" (γίνομαι, ginomai). Not only does the translation “only begotten” seem to contradict the obvious statements in the Old Testament about other lesser sons of God, but it sounds as though there was a time when the Son did not exist—that He had a beginning. Thanks to a better understanding of Greek and many more manuscripts of the Greek New Testament, modern Bibles correctly now translate it as "only." The Lexham Bible Dictionary explains that μονογενής (monogenēs) actually originates from γένος (genos, meaning "class, kind").
The biblical concept of "firstborn" often represents spiritual and covenantal importance rather than a chronological position in family lineage. The correctly defined origin of "Firstborn" alters its meaning to "one of a kind" or "unique," without implying solitary existence or specific origin. This interpretation is supported by the New Testament, as exemplified in Hebrews 11:17, where Isaac, not Abraham's only son, is called his μονογενής (monogenēs), indicating his unique status as the son of the covenant. Just as YHWH is an אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), and no other אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) are YHWH, so Jesus is the unique μονογενής (monogenēs) son, and no other sons of God are like Him. Jesus is not a son of God; He is The Son of God.
The term "Son" in Scripture can have various meanings, including a representation of possessing the nature of something, whether it's literal or figurative. Jesus is unique in His nature and role, unlike any other being in creation. Therefore, when we speak of Jesus as the "Son of God," we mean that He has God's nature and bears a special title unlike any created thing.