Question:
Could Michael be called “the only-begotten Son of God” through personification before He was born to a human mother?
Answer:
We do not understand the expression “the only-begotten Son of God” as referring to our Lord solely as a human being. It seems that John 3:16 excludes this interpretation: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son.” The giving did not occur when He was born of a woman; rather, it was meant for Him to be born of a woman. The giving was not when He became Michael; it was that He might become Michael—that He might step down, taking upon Himself first the nature of angels, then the nature of humanity, and ultimately going to the lowest point possible: death. This way, when He ascended, He could fill all things.
If humanity had been the only order of creation below God, there would have been just that one step of salvation. However, other beings were also involved in sin. Sin had entered among the angels, and our God is no respecter of persons. We know that “His mercy endureth forever,” and He had the same tender care for “the angels that sinned” as He did for men who sinned.
However, the Bible is not a revelation to the angels. If it had been, God would have provided all the necessary details, outlining the appeals He made to them and the efforts He exerted to save them. Instead, He has given us enough of a revelation of His character for us to understand that He had angels in mind, just as much as men, in the sacrifice of the Redeemer.
Read Ephesians 4:8-10: “Wherefore He saith, When He [Christ] ascended on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)” There is not a single vacancy that sin has made or can make in the universe of God that will not be filled by the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently, salvation was extended to the angels through Christ just as it was to mankind.
We are reminded repeatedly that Christ the Lord was the Angel of God’s presence, Michael the Archangel, the Angel of Jehovah—One who served throughout history on behalf of God’s children, an example to both good and evil angels. This service continued until our Lord became human and took upon Himself the nature of humanity.
These points will help our inquirer understand that the great plan of salvation was comprehensive enough to include every sinner in the universe, whether that sinner is an angel or a human. We do not need a statement that He was made an angel when we read that He was the Creator of the heavens and the earth and then read that He was an angel. Certainly, somewhere, this transformation took place, but when He became flesh, He did not remain in the nature of angels; He took upon Himself the seed of Abraham—the nature of man, descending to the lowest point possible, even death. By right of His character, He ascended far above all things, filling all vacancies. See Daniel 12:1; John 5:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9; Revelation 12:7; Exodus 23:20, 21.
What is meant by the “only-begotten Son of God” is not fully understood; we could not comprehend it even if it were explained. This is part of the great mystery of godliness. In some way, the Father holds a preeminent position, as indicated in various scriptures. Yet Jesus says, “I and My Father are one.” Refer also to 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The “only-begotten Son of God,” who “proceeded forth and came from” the Father, was given for sinners—given from the beginning, the Lamb of God “slain before the foundation of the world.” True to that purpose, “when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,” so that we might receive the adoption of sons. Thus, the only-begotten Son of God was truly Michael, just as He was truly Jesus.
