The Doctrine of Christ - Only Begotten

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The Greek word monogenes is used by John to convey only the unique relationship between God the Father and Jesus as the Son of the Father. It serves to distinguish Christ as the only Son of God, in contrast with the many children of God. The uniqueness of this relationship is further emphasized by the fact that we become the children of God whereas Jesus always was the Son of God.
Illustration: Though unique in His relationship to God, Jesus is described as the firstborn among many brethren.
Application: Christians' relationship to God may not be the same as that of Christ to the Father, but Christians can call God their father. As children of God, we should always seek to be as obedient as the only begotten Son of God.