Question
Are angels “sons of God”?
Response
There are about 5 different ways in which the expression “son(s) of God” is used in Scripture.
- The Lord Jesus Christ is “the Son of God” (”the Son of the Highest”; “the Son of the Father”) in connection with the Davidic Covenant. In that covenant God declared that Adonai Jehovah, the Word, the expressive member of the Godhead, would enflesh Himself in the seed of David and would be “a child born” and “a son given.” As such He would be “the only begotten Son of God.” Being God and man He would be “the Son of God” and “the Son of man.”
- The expression “sons of God” is also used to describe ones who have been spiritually regenerated and hence belong to God. (For example, John 1:12)
- We in this dispensation of grace are called “the sons of God” in accordance with having received “the adoption of sons.” (For example, Romans 8:14-15; Galatians 4:1-7)
- Adam, in particular, is referred to as “the son of God.” (Luke 3:38) He is given this designation because he was a direct creation of God. He came directly from the creative activity of God.
- In similar manner to Adam being designated a “son of God” because He was directly created by God, so also can angels be so designated. (For example, Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Dan 3:25, 28) For they too are the direct creations of God. But in addition to this they are referred to as the “sons of God” because they dwell in the heavenly places; in God’s realm and presence, rather than on the earth. For this reason Adam too was called “the son of God.” For before he sinned, he dwelt in God’s presence in
Keith R. Blades
Enjoy The Bible Ministries
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