**This response has logical flow and clarity. Terms are defined, biblical support is used, and the tone is personable. It answers the inquiry thoroughly and directly and also engages with the questioner in a meaningful way.**
Question:Should we be called “Servant of God”, “Man of God”, or “son of God”? Which is the best ?
Profile: Male, 18-30, Africa, New Christian
Answered by: Dave Ernst, who has been a volunteer with us since September, 2011.
Answer: Dear Friend,
Thanks so much for writing in with your question.
Each of those phrases/title has its own meaning. Each of them are also interconnected with the phrase “of God.” “Of God” literally means to belong to God; in other words, these people are owned by God. Therefore, a personal relationship with God is the prerequisite to all of them. This is found through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, mankind’s Savior from our sins. Please carefully read Romans 3:10-23; 6:23; John 3:15-18, 36; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-9. Does this phrase “of God” accurately refer to you?
“Servant of God” refers to just that – one who actively, faithfully, dutifully, lovingly serves God. The ideas of activity and submission and loyalty are implicit within this phrase. It is used only of Moses in the Bible (1 Chronicles 6:49; 2 Chronicles 24:9; Nehemiah 10:29; Daniel 9:11; Revelation 15:3), though others have referred to themselves before God as “Your [God’s] servant” (2 Samuel 7:24-29; Psalm 132:10; Luke 2:29), and others were referred by God Himself as “My servant” (Genesis 26:24; Numbers 12:7; 2 Samuel 7:5; John 12:26).
“Man of God” refers to one who literally belongs to God (as noted above), and is also fully devoted to Him (Deuteronomy 33:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; 3:17).
“Son of God” is exclusive to the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1: Romans 1:4), though the term “sons of God” is used in the Old Testament to refer to angels (Genesis 6:2-4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7). Those who have repented to the faith of Jesus Christ are called “children of God” (John 1:12; Romans 8:16), but this specific phrase is never used of anyone but Jesus.
According to their biblical use, which do you think fits you?
