GOD THE SON

 

 

“Paul referred to Jesus Christ as ‘the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). Referring to the Saviour as our Elder Brother is indeed accurate in a sense, but it may inadvertently minimize the reverence we should give Him as our Saviour, as the Creator, and as God the Son. President M. Russell Ballard explained: “Some Latter-day Saints have tended to focus on Christ’s Sonship as opposed to His Godhood. As members of earthly families, we can relate to Him as a child, as a Son, and as a Brother because we know how that feels….for some it may be more difficult to relate to Him as a God. And so in an attempt to draw closer to Christ and to cultivate warm and personal feelings toward Him, some tend to humanize Him, sometimes at the expense of acknowledging His Divinity. So let us be very clear on this point: it is true that Jesus was our Elder Brother in the premortal life, but we believe that in this life, it is crucial that we become ‘born again’ as His Sons and daughters in the gospel covenant.” (Building Bridges of Understanding, Ensign, June 1998, p 67) (New Testament Institute Manual Gospel Library, comment on Romans 8:29)

 

I was baptised when I was 18 years of age. My parents disowned me and I had to leave home. Shortly after my baptism, I had a dream I was in a high rise building with my parents when a great commotion arose on the street. When we came down to street level a white matter akin to snow fell on top of us. We burrowed upwards to the top. When I got there I did not see my parents again but I saw whiteness everywhere and the Saviour coming towards me with out-stretched arms saying: “Where are my children?”. I knew when I woke up that the whiteness represented my baptism. I also knew what it meant for me to take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ. I now belonged to Him and He was my spiritual father and my God. 

 

For years now I have been collecting the Saviour’s names and titles from the scriptures. So far I have 108. My admiration of His godship has improved and increased more than I ever expected. Because of those titles and names I have received understanding of who He really is. Each of them inspires within me awe and respect. Yes, He is our Brother, our Saviour and even our Friend but He is also:

 

The King of Glory

The God of Israel

The Prince of Peace

The King of Nations

The Great Amen

Eternal Head

Lord Omnipotent

Alpha and Omega

The King of Zion

The Rock of Heaven

The Word of God

The Great I AM

Most High God

Eternal King

The Lord God of Gods

King Immanuel

The Eternal One

Everlasting King

King of Righteousness

The Lord of Lords

The King of Kings

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Christ the King by David Beraru)