Although it is a foundational confession for all Christians, much of the theological significance of Jesus’s identity as “the Son of God” is often overlooked or misunderstood. Moreover, this Christological concept stands at the center of today’s Bible translation debates and increased ministry efforts to Muslims. New Testament scholar D. A. Carson thus sheds light on this important issue with his usual exegetical clarity and theological insight, first by broadly surveying Jesus’s biblical name as “the Son of God”, and then by focusing on two key texts that speak of Christ’s sonship. The book concludes with the implications of Jesus’s divine sonship for how modern Christians think and speak about Christ, especially in relation to Bible translation and missionary engagement with Muslims across the globe.
Download and start listening now!
"Good read. I particularly liked the final chapter, ""Jesus the Son of God" in Christian and Muslim Contexts," wherein Carson deals in depth with the controversy of SIL/Wycliffe changing the translation of "Son of God" in some of their bibles for Muslims to terms deemed less offensive."
— Todd (4 out of 5 stars)
“No Christological designation is as essential as ‘Son of God’; none is more important. This study makes that impressively clear by sound and careful exegesis and theological reflection in the face of misunderstandings and disputes, past and current. Once again, D. A. Carson serves the church well.”
— Richard B. Gaffin Jr., professor of biblical and systematic theology, emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary“I welcome this volume from D. A. Carson with all the enthusiasm and joy of one who once denied the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. With his customarily clear, warm, careful, and balanced manner, Carson gives us a fresh exploration of a precious truth that so many Christians take for granted and so many Muslims misunderstand. If you want to know Jesus and the Bible better, this surely is one aid that will not disappoint.”
— Thabiti M. Anyabwile, senior pastor, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman; author, What Is a Healthy Church Member?“What does it mean for us to confess that Jesus is the Son of God? D. A. Carson tackles this question in Jesus the Son of God. In this little book he lays a firm foundation to help the church understand ‘Son of God’ with reference to Jesus.”
— Robert A. Peterson, professor of systematic theology, Covenant Theological Seminary" Excellent short treatise on the topic of Jesus as the "Son of God," its OT background and use in the NT, and its practical implications for Christians and in translation in Muslim contexts. Vintage Carson. "
— Matthew, 6/11/2013" This book was short, but very deep. It is definitely not for a new believer and it certainly is not a book that lays out in simple terms what the Bible means by the Son of God. It takes work to figure it out completely and I will be processing it for the rest of my life I'm afraid. "
— Roger, 5/28/2013" A really excellent little volume on the doctrine of Jesus' role as the Son of God. I'd love to see Carson expand this into a full-length monograph. "
— Chris, 5/19/2013" Short yet very precise. More than just giving a brief exegesis of the term "Son of God", it challenges cultural pragmatism in Bible translation, specifically to Islamic cultures. I strongly recommend this book! "
— John, 12/14/2012D. A. Carson is research professor of the New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is cofounder (with Tim Keller) of the Gospel Coalition, and has written or edited nearly sixty books. He has served as a pastor and is an active guest lecturer in church and academic settings around the world.
David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.