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RELATIONSHIP TO THE FATHER

This is My beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased.
Matt. 3:16-17

At His baptism the Father declared Jesus to be His “beloved Son” and said to Him: “in You I am well pleased” (Lu. 3:22); the same sentiment is expressed in the Old Testament: “My Chosen, in whom My soul delights” (Isa. 42:1), and “You are My Son, today I have begotten You” (Ps. 2:7).

Note the terminology applied to Jesus: “My beloved Son,” “in You I am well pleased,” My Chosen,” “in whom My soul delights,” “My Son,” and “today I have begotten You.” Several points can be considered:

One, the relationship between the Father and the Son is an ontological relationship, that is, it speaks of who/what they are in and of themselves and in their relationship to each other. It is the state of their being; it is the relationship that exists within the Trinity. But such metaphysical talk is beyond the comprehension of man. The finite cannot understand the Infinite. Perhaps the best approach is to say nothing, for reason must be made to submit to faith.

Two, the relationship is an eternal relationship between Father and Son. The Father is always the Father, and the Son is always the Son. Never has it not been so; never will it not be so. The relationship is not one that came to be but is the relationship that has always been. Again, such talk is beyond the mind of man. Nevertheless the truth must be affirmed.

Three, the relationship is one in which the Father is pleased with the Son. The Father is pleased with who the Son is, pleased with the Son coming to earth to save His own, pleased with the work that the Son accomplished, and pleased with the destiny that belongs to the Son. The Father is eternally delighted in who the Son is and what the Son does. But such affirmations are anchored in faith and devoid of human understanding. Such musings lead to wonder and worship.


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