Q. 33. Why is Christ called the only begotten Son of God, since we are also the children of God?
Question. Why is Christ called the only begotten Son of God, since we are also the children of God?
Answer. Because Christ alone is the eternal (John 1;1), and natural Son of God (Heb. 1;2, 3); but we are children adopted of God, by grace, for his sake (Gal. 3;26).
Proofs.
- [proof-1] John 1;1.—In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.— Heb. 1;8.—John 17;5.—1 John 1;1-3.—John 8;58.—Col. 2;9.
- [proof-2] Heb. 1;2, 3.—God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.— John 5;18.—John 3;16.—Rom. 8;32.—1 John 5;20.—John 1;14.—John 5;26.—Col. 1;15.
- [proof-3] Gal. 3;26.—For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.— John 1;12.—Eph. 1;3-6.—Rom. 8;14, 15.—1 John 3;1.—Rom. 8;17.
Source and provenance
Citation: Heidelberg Catechism Q. 33, Wikisource 1879 Reformed Church in America translation.
Original work: Public-domain historical catechism
Digital source: Wikisource transcription
Edition status: Edition comparison pending
Proof texts: Proof lines preserved; extraction partial
Scripture refs: 1JN.1.1-1JN.1.3, 1JN.3.1, 1JN.5.20, COL.1.15, COL.2.9, EPH.1.3-EPH.1.6, GAL.3.26, HEB.1.2, HEB.1.3, HEB.1.8, JHN.1.1, JHN.1.12, JHN.1.14, JHN.17.5, JHN.3.16, JHN.5.18, JHN.5.26, JHN.8.58, ROM.8.14, ROM.8.15, ROM.8.17, ROM.8.32
Source provider: Wikisource
Use guidance: Use with source citation; compare edition before formal reuse
