6. Why is Jesus Christ called the "only Son of God"?
Because Jesus Christ, as the Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, is the only true and real Son of God—i.e., Son of God from eternity, of one nature and substance with God the Father.
'To which of the Angels hath He said at any time: Thou art my Son, to-day [i.e., at present, from eternity] have I begotten thee' (Hebr. i. 5). The Catholic Church has, in the Ecumenical Council of Nice, expressed this fundamental doctrine of the Christian Religion, 'respecting the one nature and substance of Jesus Christ with God the Father,' in the following terms: 'I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages; God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God; begotten, not made; consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were made.'
7. Are we not, then, also children of God?
Yes, we are children of God, but not by nature and from all eternity; we are only children adopted by grace.
'As many as received Him, He gave them power to be made the sons of God' (John i. 12).
8. Why is Jesus Christ called "Our Lord"?
Jesus Christ is called, and is, our Lord, 1. As God, because, being one with the Father, He is, like Him, Lord and Creator of Heaven and earth; and 2. As Man, because, in the human nature. He has redeemed us, and therefore bought us, with His Blood, as His property;1 and because, in the same nature. He will be one day our Judge,2 and our Head and King through all eternity.3
1 'For you are bought with a great price '(1 Cor. vi. 20). 2 'It is He who was appointed by God, to be judge of the living and of the dead' (Acts x. 42). 3 And He [God] hath subjected all things under His feet, and hath made Him Head over all this Church' (Eph. i. 22).
Application. Constantly cherish the most ardent love and devotion to Jesus, 'in whose name every knee should bow, of those that are in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth' (Philip, ii. 10). Often invoke, with the greatest veneration and confidence, this Holy Name, especially in times of temptation. Take a delight in using
