What Does “The Son of God” Mean?

Almost every Muslim will deny that Jesus is the Son of God. For Muslims, “Son of God” means literally that God had sexual relations with a woman and fathered a baby. Is that what the Injil teaches? What the Injil means by “Son of God” is very different from what a Muslim means by “Son of God.” Let us study this subject carefully:

• The Qur’an and the Injil affirm that Isa had no human biological father.
• The Qur’an and the Injil affirm that God was not the father of Isa through a sexual act.
• The Qur’an and the Injil affirm that Isa was conceived through the Spirit of God.
• The Qur’an and the Injil affirm that Mary his mother was a virgin when he was born.
• The Qur’an and the Injil affirm that Isa is sinless.
• The Qur’an and the Injil call Isa the Word of God.

There is significant agreement in the beliefs about the birth of Isa Al-Masih, but the problem is with the terminology or title we use. It is important to explain what the Injil means when the “Son of God” is mentioned:

• “Son of God” is a synonym of Christ/Messiah in his roles of prophet, priest, and king.
• “Son of God” implies a unique relationship with God
• “Son of God” implies inseparability and mutuality with God
• “Son of God” is one who has the character and nature of God
• “Son of God” is in submission to God

The Holy Bible style often repeated and paraphrased something twice or more. In the same way, “Son of God” in connection with two other terms: Christ and Messianic King. Here are all the paired or parallel titles involving Son of God, for example:

“Then Nathanael declared: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” (Injil John 1: 49)

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Injil Matthew 16: 16)
“And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them, and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.” (Injil Luke 4: 41)

“Martha said to him: Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” (Injil John 11: 27)

“These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” (Injil John 20: 31)

So the meaning of the “Son of God” in context in the Injil includes Christ or Messianic King. All three roles of the Christ (prophet,messenger, priest,mediator, intercessor, and king, authority) are implied in verses about the Son.