The only begotten of the Father ???

June 23rd, 2017

Acts 13:32-33 (KJV):  “And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.”

Last week i asked a question.  When did Jesus become “the only begotten of the Father”?  Was it at birth? Was it at His baptism? At the transfiguration?   Maybe at the crucifixion; or was it at the resurrection? When was Jesus begotten of the Father?  This is how i understand the answer to this question: your input appreciated. Didn’t receive any replies, either these aren’t read, those who did, didn’t want to take the time.  Whatever i was able to benefit from both the question and searching out what i believe to be the answer.

This is why a good concordance is invaluable; so now concerning “begotten”.   Strong’s #1080: “(8b) of one who by means of preaching the gospel”  Paul’s gospel :Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Continuing with Strong’s #1080;  “by means of preaching the gospel becomes the human instrument in the impartation of spiritual life (1 Cor 4:15; Phm 10);  (10) Beget in the English means to bring into a special relationship.  The “be” is intensive and the “get” means to bring to one’s self.  Jesus, as the “only begotten of the Father” means that even though He had the unique and equal relationship within the trinity in eternity past, He took upon Himself the likeness of sinful flesh, dwelt among men”dwelt, was tempted in all ways, yet without sin, submitted to the death on the cross, was raised on the third day, and ascended to the right hand of the Father.  He was always uniquely related to the Father, but even more so now as He is the only unique Son of God, the only sacrifice to remove sins and restore fallen to God.”  As i copied this, various supporting scriptures came to mind allowing me to see that this explanation, even thou given by man is supported by scripture is true.  

(10)  “Jesus (Acts 4:12), as the “only begotten of the Father” (Acts 13:32-33) :  (“And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers (Ro 15:8), God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm (Ps 2:7), Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. (Acts 13:32-33)  “means that even though He had  (still has and does) had the unique and equal relationship within the trinity in eternity past (Colossians 1:14-17).  He took upon Himself the likeness of sinful flesh (2 Cor 5:21).  “dwelt among men” (Isa 7:14 & Matt 1:23)  “was tempted in all ways, yet without sin,” (Heb 4:15b)  “submitted to the death of the cross, (Phil 2:8).  “was raised on the third day, (Acts 2:24, 32, 3:26, 5:30, 10:40, 13:30; 1 Cor 15:5-8).  “and ascended to the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:9; Eph 4:8-10; Heb 1:3).     

   

Of a note, often when reading, the Holy Spirit speaks by the inspiration of the scriptures of things past, present and future.  We are to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).  Case in point.  The word “begotten” concerning the now LORD Jesus Christ is given as past: Ps 2:, Heb 1:5:   present to them then: Jo 1:14, 18, 3:16, 18.  Past & present to us now: 1 Cor 4:15.  These are never to be taken as contradictions but for us to remember that God is omnipotent, omniscience and omnipresent.  He, God is always, He is the I AM, outside of time, he created time “In the beginning God” Genesis 1:1.  That “beginning” was the start of measured time for humanity; however one wants to spin that, whatever, but what saith the scriptures?  We humans have a most difficult time recollecting that we are and always will be.  We have no conception of the past absent from our own individual experiences.  Now,  we have nothing to base this concept on save God’s Word.  But be assured we are and will always be in the “now” for eternity.  Did not God Himself say through Paul’s writings “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”  Ephesians 1:4.  If in Christ, and i pray that you are, God knows all; that too for us is far past our abilities to comprehend;  another reason God has made faith in measure (Ro 12:3) available to mankind but the prerequisite is in believing that God is (Heb 11:6)  and that faith is things hoped for yet not seen (Heb 11:1)  It goes full circle, but not a real circle, we can’t go back to the beginning as God could, but we are only “now”; that being then, is how, one is created now begotten by man (Gen 5:3) in the image of God, an eternal being.

So;  are we begotten of God?  If one believes that one is, being in Christ, is not that one who believes also begotten?  How i understand this.  Christ is God in flesh (Jo 1:14 and Col 1:5).  Paul wrote that we who believe are begotten through his gospel (“For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”)  Notice it reads “I (Paul not Christ) have begotten you through the gospel”  We all know Paul didn’t die for us (as seen in 1 Cor 3:1-23) but Christ (Ro 5:8, 1 Cor 15:3 and else where).  How do i get by John 3:16? saying “only begotten” does “only” imply other or just one?  Only Christ Jesus is begotten of the Father;  Ephesians 3:7-10.  Christ was given a glorified, eternal body at resurrection, He gave His Holy body to sin for us: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:21. “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.”  John 10:17; concerning this question i would have one to read Hebrews 5:10-6:3.   If you believe i’m wrong, that’s fine, Book, chapter and verses please.  But consider this first;  “I am crucified (implies death) with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I (physical or spiritual or both?), but Christ liveth in me (again How? physical, spiritual or both?): and the life which I now live in the flesh (physical/physical?) I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God (waffle on believing or not, most, some or all): for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”  Galatians 2:20-21.  Remember precept on precept, line upon line, here a little there a little and not after the precepts of man: Isa 28:10-13 and Isa 29:13 respectfully.

New topic, Second subject: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:10.  Then from the attached disclaimer i wrote:  “i write of how His word has impacted my life, how i understand what He has done for me.”  This is a testimony, a praise, blessing and being used by the LORD Jesus Christ.  i had a dental appointment at 1130.  So i quit working and got ready to leave about 1030.  Got cleaned up, brushed my tooth, oops, teeth (6 total) and got dressed.  Pushed the Sportster out and it appeared to have a flat in the front. Once the appearance was removed by “Yep it’s flat” pressure didn’t even read on the tire pressure gauge.  Didn’t want to but had to push out a ways and aired the tire, thinking i’ll check it when i get home.  Pushed out the RoadKing, fired the old boy up, and off i go, leaving at about 1050.  Got to Dental about 1115, plenty of time, i’ll just relax and wait.  Had gotten a tooth pulled on Tuesday and dentures were ready; boy do they feel weird, guess they’ll have some get’n used too.  No adjustments were necessary so I’m set; get another appointment for next week and leave the Dentist’s office; back to the bike.  Unlock everything, get the helmet, glasses, gloves on and insert the key:  click!  Again click, again click, click, click  “Ah man”.  i give it a once over, and see that the battery tender had metal showing and figure it has shorting out.  Got it squared away, (Navy talk for fixed, hope it works); turn the key, now nothing, try a couple more times:  “AH MAN!!!”  won’t say what that means in Navy talk,  but for sure the bad jimmy is wanting too come out!  i hadn’t brought my cell phone, don’t have a smartphone, iv’e got a stupid phone and serves my needs vey well.  Back in side an ask to use there phone, call Fermina, she coming in to get me.  Miss Karen (dental receptionist) asked if i had cables, i declined, the battery is hidden away and i needed tools, both standard and metric.   While outside waiting a lady who worked in an another building next door had been watching me do this and that.  She approached, asked if i needed some help and i relayed the previous communications to her.  Out of no where i remarked i feel a little like Jonah sitting here in the shade under the gourd, but i won’t be cursing this tree.  She gave me some chit chat and left.  Fermina showed up and took me home.  i got what i thought i would need (most everything)and drove my P/U back.  i commenced to do what i thought was necessary, to no avail; “Ah man!’  Glad i got a few numbers to call for a tow truck.  Then the thought came to check the cables coming off the battery.  Got the tools, removed the bags, seat rest, buddy seat and the main seat.  Really starting to get warm now,  it’s getting hot, here in this parking lot and bright 3PM sun.  Tightened the cable lugs to the battery, flipped the key; “Hello Huston, we have power.”  Put everything away and take a seat for a short rest.  The lady comes back out again and has a glass of water, offers it, and i accept.  Immediately my mind goes to the scripture that says something about those who give a glass of water in my name. She again speaking says she’s a bike rider and a member of the “Cruiser for Christ” a local bike club who profess Christ Jesus.  i respond with:  “The fellowship i presently attend has a member in attendance there named James Car———-“  “O you mean Jimmy”. So do you know Phil P— — —? she did.  She departed with wishing me well and i went back in to Miss Karen and told her i was leaving with the bike but was going to leave the P/U until i could get back in.  We spoke a little about the conversation with the other lady outside.  Miss Karen said something during the course of the conversation to make me ask her “Why do you think you’re saved?”  her reply was “Because Jesus died for my sins that i might have eternal life.”  i proceeds to explain the gospel that saves, Paul’s gospel:     Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and said with that; one doesn’t get that from John 3:16.  Explained;  “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:14-17.  If the one bike hadn’t got a flat, if the other hadn’t had electrical problems, if i’d called that tow truck; i doubt very seriously that   “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10, would have come about.  i have been given knowledge (“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;” 1 Corinthians 12:8, too know ones gifts or gift, and then exercise that gift as one is availed opportunity; are gifts from God to His church, the body of Christ) by God to share; she was ignorant to what she thought she believed too be saved.  Small as it might be to the human intellect, as preposterous to the unbeliever, but mighty in the Kingdom of God i believe.  i will not surely know until i stand before judgement seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10) for reward, but what saith the scriptures?

Thank You Lord Jesus for giving me the opportunity to be a servant of Yourself and to respond to Your direction as an ambassador.  There’s no small work in Your Kingdom, we all, who believe, we all who walk by faith and not by sight, we get to participate in Your work You have given us to do.  Thank You for trusting me with Your Word and to use it as a workman, not being ashamed, but rightly dividing and sharing what You have given me to give.  In Jesus’s name Amen . . . . . . .