For those accustomed to reaching outside the Bible in their study of God’s Word, Jesus the Son of God by D. A. Carson would be a great addition to one’s personal library. As the subtitle of the book explains, “Son of God” is a “Christological title often overlooked, sometimes misunderstood, and currently disputed.”  In this little volume, D. A. Carson explores the Christological title “Son of God” and delves into Scripture to show how the biblical writers used the term. In order to set the stage for this, however, Carson analyzes the term “son” in all its various nuances. Before one can apply “Son” to Jesus, Carson wants us to know what the term implied to those in both the Old and New Testaments. A near exhaustive analysis of the term and references is set forth with the clear conclusion that “son” has a much wider range of meaning than one who is “biologically born or begotten.” This is important in that it warns us not to immediately think of “birth” in purely physical terms, as did Nicodemus, but rather see Jesus as the quintessential Son in its multivariate richness. Carson gives ample evidence to show that “sonship” often carries the idea of identity, class, association and authority. Carson also spends a good deal of time developing the fact that there are many in Scripture who are called “sons of God.” For example: angels are sons of God (Job 1:6); Adam is the son of God (Lk 3:38); Israel is called the son of God (Mt 6:1); Davidic kings were called sons of God (2 Sam 7:14); and believers are also called sons of God (Rom 8:23). The significance of this line of reasoning for Carson is to lead us away from a strictly “procreation” definition and bring us to the eventual spiritual connection between the David kings of Israel and how Jesus fulfills this title in becoming The Son of God and Heir to David’s throne.

Carson’s book is divided into three sections with the final section being reserved for a related but not often considered application of the previous material. In his last chapter of the book Carson addresses the difficulty of translating the concept of “Son of God” into languages where “son” always and inherently carries a biological overtone. This difficulty may be practically seen in creating translations for those of Muslim background that hold that God’s oneness prohibits Him from “procreating” a Son. Certainly orthodox Christianity believes no such thing either. But to the Muslim mind this is a stumbling block. Carson rightly critiques various translation philosophies that glibly substitute words and concepts that eventually detract from the true biblical meaning of Jesus’ “Sonship.”

For those who are not avid readers I recommend the Audible version of this fine reference book. It is very listenable and not of excessive length. In whatever form one studies Carson’s thoughts they will help make Jesus the “Son” more meaningful in one’s personal life.

Author: D. A. Carson
Publisher: Crossway
Originally Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4335-3796-7

Review by: Mike Criswell / mikecriswell123@gmail.com