Why is Jesus called the “only begotten” Son of God? Is He a created being like the angels?

Jesus is the “only begotten” Son of God (John 3:16).  “Only begotten” comes from monogenes in Greek, mono (only, alone) combined with genos (race, stock), “from one race or stock, unique offspring.”  Thus, it is translated “only begotten.”

While all Christians are called God’s children (1 John 3:1-2), Christ is God’s Son in a unique way.  Of all of God’s children, He alone is Deity.  Thus, He is not a created being like the angels (John 1:1).  He is the only way Deity is made known to us (John 1:18).  Our salvation is found only through Him (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9; John 14:6).