The Only Begotten Son

According to John 1.18; 3.16 &18 and 1 John 4.9 Jesus is “the only begotten Son” [monogenase]. Begotten means born, it is the word we derive generate and generation from. In the above verses the prefix ‘mono’ is added to the word ‘begotten’.

In newer translations and paraphrases, like the NIV and The Message the composite word is translated “one and only Son” (NIV) and “only Son” (The Message). These versions capture some of the meaning of ‘only begotten’ or ‘only born’ [monogenase], but they do not communicate the idea of being born which is essential to the word.

The difficulty with translating the word ‘only born’ is the fact that in our western culture one would immediately think of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, which is not the primary meaning. Acts 13.30-34 states, “But God raised Him from the dead… And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today i have begotten You.’” Clearly, the fact of Jesus being the “only born Son” is based on His resurrection not His incarnation.

In the context of John 3, Nicodemus has come to Jesus to ask about how to obtain a significant relationship with God. Jesus answered that the way one gains a significant relationship with God is by being born into it (‘born again’ or ‘born from above’). It is the “only born Son” alone who provides an invitation to “whosoever” a new birth. Those who receive this new birth gain the significant relationship with God, and they gain it from the One who gives life from the dead.

Growing my purpose for Living

I like the old hymn, 'I know Whom I have Believed'. My problem was that I could not wrap my brain around what the verse (2 Timothy 1.12) quoted in the hymn meant. Peterson's 'The Message' paraphrase really helped, and so did some time put in studying the actual verse and the context. The Apostle's second letter to Timothy presents an urgent message for two reasons. The first, is that Paul senses that he will not be alive much longer. The second, is that Timothy is on the verge of quitting the ministry. Apparently, disappointment and persecution had pushed Timothy to the end of his spiritual rope. Paul, resoundingly, encourages the young pastor beginning in the first chapter.
Paul exhorts Timothy concerning the rewards, resources and repercussions of his faith in Christ. The rewards include the current gifts of God (vss. 6,7) and the unique calling of God (vs 9). The resources include the spiritual heritage he has from his mother and grandmother (vs 5), the companionship of the Apostle Paul (vs 8) and the purpose and grace of God Himself (vs 9). The repercussions are the various sufferings that must be overcome (vs 12 ff). The Apostle encourages Timothy to join him, even in suffering, unashamedly devoted to investing what he has received as a 'treasure'. Paul states in verse 12 that he has no regrets. He knows that his faith is founded solidly in the Almighty God of the universe. He is entirely convinced that God will guard and protect that 'treasure' forever, even as he and Timothy invest it in the world by making disciples of the nations.
2 Timothy 1.12 "Because of the work I have from God, I suffer. But, I have no regrets. For I know the ONE in whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard my treasure until the day Jesus returns."