Heidelberg Catechism

Question 33. Why is Christ called the “only begotten Son” of God, since we are also the children of God?

Answer: Because Christ alone is the eternal and natural Son of God, (a) while we are children of God through adoption, by grace, for Christ’s sake. (b)

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

a. John 1:1-3, 14, 18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

      Hebrews 1:1-2

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

      John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

     1 John 4:9

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

      Romans 8:32

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

b. Romans 8:14-17

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.…

      John 1:12

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God … .     

      Galatians 4:6

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

      Ephesians 1:5-6

[H]e predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.