Together, we have faith

May 17, 2024

Children of God

Galatians 3:26; John 1:12; 1 John 3:2

“Such a filial relationship is never one merely of nature. As set forth in the word, it is a fruit of gracious purpose: 'Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.' Moreover, it springs from distinguishing love; hence the words of John: 'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.' And it is specially testified to by the Spirit: 'The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and

joint-heirs with Christ.' One of the great privileges of this blessed adoption is freedom of access. When a beggar knocks at a door, and then waits for its opening, he is all uncertain as to the reception he may meet with; nay, a repulse may be more likely than a welcome. How different with a son! Whether he knocks or rings, it is with the most trustful confidence and heartiness, for it is his father's house; and enter when he may, he knows assuredly he can count upon a welcome. It is even so with the children of God. They have ever the freest and most intimate access to the Lord, and can at all times pour into their Father's ear and heart every anxiety of their souls and every petition of their lips. This, believers, is your privilege; and rest assured that, if you are once put into God's family, you will never again be put out of it.”

Children of God. In one sense, all people, by dint of creation, are children of God. But in a more special sense, only those redeemed by Christ, saved by his blood bought righteousness, are children of God, sons and daughters of the King of kings. While a few Christian writers are seeking to blur the lines here, the Bible makes clear the differences between a Creation Father and a Redemption Father. Redeemed by Christ, we have special access by prayer to God. We are part of the “family of God,” assured of our eternal relationship with Christ to God the Father. Once sons and daughters by salvation, we are always sons and daughters. Yes, there may be times of testing and temptation, as Macdonald says — “There may occasionally, it is true, be not a little waywardness among them, and even grievous and humiliating backsliding; and because of this there may be the hiding of God's face and the losing of assurance, and perhaps even bitter and prolonged chastening before the healing comes again. But in no case will there ever be a final disownment or severance.” Count on your relationship with God through Christ and mediated by the Holy Spirit.

A Puritan Prayer —

“Lord Jesus,

Grant me the favour of being led by thee, 

under the directions of thy providence and thy Word. 

Grant me thy blessings with bitter things, to brighten and quicken me, 

not to depress and make me lifeless; 

Grant me, like Gideon of old, way-tokens, 

by removing things that discourage me; 

Grant me succour beneath the shadow of thy sympathy when I am tempted. 

Accept my unceasing thanks that I am not cast off from thy hand 

as a darkened star or a rudderless vessel. 

Suffer not my life to extend beyond my usefulness; 

Cast me not under the feet of pride, injustice, riches, 

worldly greatness, selfish oppression of men; 

Help me to wait patiently, silently upon thee, 

not to be enraged or speak unadvisedly. 

Let thy mercy follow me while I live, 

and give me aid to resign myself to thy will. 

Take my heart and hold it in thy hand; 

write upon it reverence to thyself with an inscription 

that time and eternity cannot erase. 

To thy grace and the care of thy covenant I commit myself, 

in sickness, and in health, for thou hast overcome the world, 

fulfilled the law, finished justifying righteousness, 

swallowed up death in victory, and taken all power everywhere. 

Mark this covenant with thine own blood in the court of forgiving mercy; 

Attach unto it thy name in which I believe, 

for it is sealed by my unworthy mortal hand.”