This is a booklet.
Who Says God has No Son ?
Who Say God has No Son?
Introduction
There has long been a controversy over the Son of God, and amazingly, it did not begin on earth, but in heaven. It is a controversy over authority between two majestic beings, both beloved, but very different in nature.
In heaven, the Father sat upon a glorious blue sapphire throne, high and lifted up. A beautiful rainbow encircled His head, consisting of the seven colours, but with green shining as an emerald above the rest. Surrounding this glory was a brilliant light, partially veiling the form of the One who sat upon the throne. Isaiah 6:1. Education p177. Ezekiel 1:26-28. Revelation 4:2.3. Patriarchs and Prophets p107. Psalm 104:2.
On the right hand side of the Father’s throne sat Michael, the beloved Son and Prince of heaven. Often He would be seen outside the Father’s glorious presence, moving among the heavenly host, encouraging each angel in his work and lovingly giving directions. At times He was seen to enter the glorious light surrounding the throne for personal councils and communing with His Father. 1 Spirit of Prophecy p45. Patriarchs and Prophets p38.39.
On the other side of God sat Lucifer, the most gifted and exalted angel. He was not seated upon God’s throne, but upon a throne of his own outside the light of the Father’s Presence. His angelic form was majestic and noble, for he had been created by God “as near as possible like Himself.” Review and Herald. Sep 24. 1901.
Although a created being, Lucifer was honoured above all the other angels in beauty, and in position, “next in honor to God's dear Son”. Lift Him Up p18. Faith I Live By p67.
Michael was a true Son, begotten at some point in the ages of eternity. “His divine life…. cannot be measured by figures”. Signs of the Times. 05.03.99.
Being the only begotten Son of God, Michael inherited the divinity of His Father, making Him also ‘God’ in nature.
In every way the Son is the “express image” of His Father -- in character, form and omnipotent power. He is the “brightness of His glory”, and the joy of His Father’s heart. As the Son of God, Michael was naturally “next in authority to the great Lawgiver.” Signs of the Times. 05.03.1899. Hebrews 1:3.4. Proverbs 8:30. Review & Herald. 12.17. 1872. 2 Spirit of Prophecy p9.
When Michael, the anointed Son, entered the glorious light surrounding God, Lucifer could only watch, as he was not permitted to enter that heavenly chamber. “Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God… (was) the only being who could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets p34. 8 Testimonies p268.
Eventually, an envious feeling began to arise in Lucifer’s heart, and he became jealous of God’s Son. Lucifer, who stood next to Christ in power and glory, “coveted the honor that belonged to the Son.” Review and Herald. 02.03.09.
Imagine the scene in heaven – a glorious throne in the midst of heaven with two beautiful majestic Beings on either side.
On the right is the divine Son, the One who called the angel’s into existence, and Who had been given the position of Commander of the angels. When He speaks, it is as if the Father Himself has spoken. Patriarchs and Prophets p33.34.35. 8 Testimonies p268. Exodus 23:20.21.
On the left hand side is Lucifer, the first of the covering cherubs, the one who has been privileged to stand in the presence of the great Creator, so close to God’s throne that “the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God rested upon him”. In this position, Lucifer has authority over the angels, although subject to Michael, the Great Commander. Patriarchs and Prophets p35.
These two beings are similar in appearance; they both have power and authority. The only difference is that One is the begotten Son of God, the other a created angel. But this distinction is as wide as the universe is vast.
Sadly Lucifer became more and more irritated by the Son’s continual entering into the light of God’s Presence. Not only that, but he began to find fault with His loving command of the angels. Why should they be instructed by Michael? Was his own authority not sufficient?
And anyway, why should there be rules? Were not angels responsible beings? Patriarchs and Prophets p37.
Little by little, as Lucifer indulged these evil thoughts, he not only coveted the honour of Michael, but also “the glory that belonged to the Son.” The highest angel became proud of his own beauty, desiring supremacy beyond the status he already possessed. His envy of Christ grew stronger the more it was indulged, until he not only wanted the Son’s divine rule, but that of God Himself. Patriarchs and Prophets p36.37.
“I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13.14.
Being fully aware of the thoughts of Lucifer, the great God and King of the universe summoned the heavenly host before Him, and in the presence of every angel, including Lucifer, made it clear that Michael was the anointed Son of God. As the Son, He shared the Father’s throne and glory, not an angel. God declared that “none but Christ, the only begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes”, because He was the One who had fulfilled the Father’s will in the creation of the heavenly host. Christ alone was “committed to execute the mighty counsels of His will.” Patriarchs and Prophets p36.
All the angels bowed in submission and adoration of their loved Commander. Lucifer also bowed, but it was not long before the desire for supremacy returned and in his mind he questioned, ‘Why should Christ be honoured above me? Why should He have the supremacy?
Leaving his throne, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. “He worked with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God….” Review and Herald. 02.04.09.
The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father was to Lucifer an injustice. Was not he entitled to reverence and honour?
“If he could but attain to his true, exalted position, great good would accrue to the entire host of heaven; for it was his object to secure freedom for all. But now even the liberty which they had hitherto enjoyed was at an end; for an absolute ruler had been appointed them, and to His authority, all must pay homage.” Patriarchs and Prophets p37.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The scene has changed – the Son of God is now called Jesus. He is upon the earth, having veiled His divinity with humanity, and taken the form of a human being. Immediately after His baptism, Jesus enters the wilderness of temptation to contemplate His mission and work. Matthew 4:1-11. The Desire of Ages p114.
Having fasted forty days and nights, without food or drink, Christ is weak and emaciated from hunger, worn and haggard with mental agony. “His visage was so marred more than any man”. Isaiah 52:14.
Lucifer (Satan) felt this was a good time to approach the Son, and suddenly he appeared before Jesus. Standing in front of the weakened Christ in dazzling brightness, the Deceiver made it appear as if he had come straight from the courts of heaven with a commission from God that the long fast had ended. He said to Jesus, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Matthew 4:3.
Bitterness rankled Satan’s mind as he spat out the words -- if you are really the Son, prove it, for God would never allow His own Son to be brought into such a state. Then he made the most of his supposed advantage, telling Christ that one of the powerful angels had been banished from heaven, and to all appearances, Jesus was that fallen angel.
The devil pushed the thought home – You are “forsaken by God, and deserted by man. A divine being would be able to sustain his claim by working a miracle: ‘If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.’ Such an act of creative power, urged the tempter, would be conclusive evidence of divinity. It would bring the controversy to an end.” The Desire of Ages p119.
But Jesus, does not lose faith in His Father. He is not compelled to explain His humiliation to Satan, nor must He prove His divinity to him. Though He recognised Satan from the beginning, He would not be provoked to enter into controversy with him. He would not parley with temptation and the devil.
While upon earth, Jesus never for one moment forgot His identity. He knew He was the Son of God. He knew He was begotten of His heavenly Father, and in fact, it was upon this very truth that salvation would be accomplished for fallen men and women upon the earth.
If Jesus is not the Son of God, mankind is without hope.
Who says God has no Son?