Here is a short 30 minute explanation of Bill Schlegel’s understanding of what the phrase “son of God” means in the bible. He explains that this term has nothing to do with deity, but instead refers to the descendant of David whom God anoints as king. Rather than impose on scripture the philosophically freighted ideas of being, substance, and essence, we should endeavor to understand key terms and phrases within their own biblical and historical contexts.
Here is a summary of the main points:
- “Son of God” is a Jewish/biblical idea.
- “God the Son” is not a biblical idea
- A son is an heir
- Jesus is the ideal Son of God who will inherit and rule the earth
- Believers are God’s sons who will also inherit God’s property–earth
For more of Schlegel’s work, visit his blog: Land and Bible
Also, if you haven’t yet, please listen to Interview 31: Master’s University Prof. Finds Son of God, Loses Job
