Whose Child? (2 of 3)

Though the earth, everything in it, and every being who lives in it belongs to God ( Psalm 24:1) because He is the Creator (a reality all will someday have to reckon with), the right to be called CHILDREN OF GOD is not enjoyed by everyone. (note John 1:12-13) In spite of the fact God has provided the means, the proper relationship has not been established by all.

Who is our Father? Do we want to know the truth? Do we know with certainty who our Father is? Can we know? The Scriptures imply we can.

How do we (or did we) become a CHILD OF GOD? The CHILD of a father becomes one either through procreation (being born into a family) or through adoption. Paul mentioned the concept of adoption in connection with both the nation of Israel ( Romans 9:4) and Christians ( Romans 8:15). Writing to Christians in Galatia, Paul also connected this plan of adoption with the coming of Christ to redeem us. ( Galatians 4:4-5)

In the Galatian letter, Paul clearly pointed to when this relationship began.
“(24) So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. (25) But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, (26) for IN CHRIST JESUS YOU ARE ALL SONS OF GOD, through faith. (27) For as many of you AS WERE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And IF YOU ARE CHRIST’S, THEN YOU ARE ABRAHAM’S OFFSPRING, heirs according to promise.” ( Galatians 3:24-29 ESV)

Paul clearly linked the becoming CHILDREN OF GOD to when we were baptized into Christ. This is when we put Christ on (were clothed with Him) so that in Him we could also be declared Abraham’s offspring. Remember we noted yesterday how the Jews Jesus spoke to made their claim to Abraham and then to God as being their Father. ( John 8:39 & 41) When we were united with Christ in baptism it became so! It became the reality! It became the truth!
To stop short of the rebirth is to stop short of being brought into the life in Christ ( Romans 6:3) and into the family of God. It may seem like a simple act of submission, but it is one which brought us into a new life ( Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17) and into a new family through the way opened up by Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Praise God for the means He has provided that we can be HIS CHILDREN and He our Father. It is the relationship He desires to share with us.

Have a great day BEING A PART OF GOD’S FAMILY!
Carl

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