The Word Adoptionism Is Really A Mistaken Idea That Jesus Became God's Son
Let’s talk about a question that still stirs confusion in some corners of the Church: Was Jesus always the Son of God—or did He become God’s Son at some point in His life?
This leads us to Adoptionism—a false teaching that, though ancient, still subtly creeps into modern Christianity. But what is it really about, and why does it matter so much?
What Is Adoptionism?
Adoptionism is the belief that Jesus was born as a normal human being and only later became the Son of God—adopted by God either at His baptism, resurrection, or ascension. In this view, Jesus was not always divine; rather, He was elevated to divine status because of His obedience or righteousness.
Sounds harmless? It’s not. Let’s dig deeper.
Why Is This a Problem?
At first glance, Adoptionism seems to honor Jesus’ humanity. But under the surface, it erases His eternal divinity, and that’s a huge issue.
Let’s break down why:
1. It Denies the Eternal Sonship of Christ
John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Jesus wasn’t just “adopted” later—He was with God from the very beginning. To say He became God's Son later contradicts this truth.
2. It Weakens the Power of the Cross
If Jesus was only a man, how could His death cover the sins of all mankind?
Only God could bear the weight of sin. If He wasn’t divine, then His death would have been just a martyrdom—not an atonement.
3. It Distorts the Incarnation
Jesus wasn’t just born a man who later got promoted to divine status. He was God who took on human form (John 1:14). The Incarnation means God stepped into time and flesh—not that a man climbed into divinity.
4. It Damages Our Understanding of the Trinity
If Jesus was adopted, that suggests the Father created or promoted the Son—breaking the unity and equality of the Trinity. But Scripture teaches the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal, co-eternal, and uncreated.
How the Early Church Responded
This wasn’t a minor debate. In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea gathered to settle this very issue. Their conclusion?
“We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God… begotten, not made, being of one essence with the Father.”
That line—“begotten, not made”—was a direct refutation of Adoptionism. Jesus was not created or adopted. He always was.
Church Fathers like Athanasius, Irenaeus, and Augustine wrote extensively to defend the eternal Sonship of Christ. To them, this wasn't just theology—it was the difference between truth and deception.
But Isn’t This Just an Ancient Problem?
Unfortunately, no. Today, some Christians unknowingly repeat Adoptionist thinking:
They emphasize Jesus as a “great moral teacher” or “perfect man”—but shy away from His divinity.
They speak of Jesus as “becoming” God’s Son at His baptism or resurrection.
They follow a version of Jesus that is relatable but not redeeming.
Be honest:
Do we sometimes reduce Jesus to someone we can explain—rather than someone we should worship?
Let’s Ask Ourselves:
Are we comfortable with a Christ who is human—but hesitant to bow before Him as God?
Have we unknowingly traded the eternal Son of God for a version that fits into our human reasoning?
Do our sermons, songs, and prayers reflect Jesus’ divinity—or just His humanity?
The Full Truth: Jesus Was Always the Son of God
Jesus didn’t become the Son at baptism—His baptism revealed who He already was.
The voice from heaven didn’t say, “I now adopt You.”
It said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Jesus didn’t gain divinity at the resurrection.
The resurrection confirmed His identity and vindicated His mission.
Hold Firm to the Real Jesus
The Jesus of Scripture is both fully God and fully man—from the beginning to the end.
If He were only a man adopted by God, our hope would crumble.
But because He is the eternal Son, His sacrifice saves, His words have weight, and His name is worthy of worship.
What about you?
Have you ever thought of Jesus more as a moral example than as God Himself?
Do you find it easier to relate to His humanity than to bow before His divinity?
Let this be a call back to the full gospel—not one watered down by modern misunderstandings, but one grounded in eternal truth.
Comment below: What stood out most about the real identity of Jesus?
Bookmark Church History Chronicles for more revelational truth.
Share this with someone who needs to meet the eternal Son of God—not just a good man, but God made flesh.
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