Adoptionism
In one sentence
A Christological position holding that Jesus as a human was uniquely adopted or appointed by God as Son.
In simple terms
Jesus is understood primarily as a human whom God at some point specially adopted, exalted, or declared to be Son.
Biblical truth
The New Testament truly speaks of Jesus’ human birth, anointing, and exaltation, but also of his preexistence and unique relation to the Father before the incarnation.
Key Scriptures
John 1:1–3,14 · John 17:5 · Rom. 1:3–4 · Phil. 2:5–11 · Heb. 1:1–5
Example
Some forms of Adoptionism associate Jesus’ “adoption” with his baptism, others with resurrection or exaltation.
Who holds it
Historically, certain early anti-Trinitarian groups and later theological models.
Opposing view
Chalcedonian Christology
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with biblical language of Christ’s messianic declaration or exaltation; classical Christology does not hold that the Son began to exist at that point.
History
Various adoptionist ideas appeared in the early church and resurfaced in medieval and modern periods.
Main point of debate
The central dispute is whether Jesus is the eternal Son who became human or a human who later received filial status.