Children of God

Children of God

“If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.” “If God were your Father, you would love Me . . . .” John 8:39 and 42.

Not everyone who says he is a child of God is His child, but only those who do God’s will. God’s children are those who are born of God and are united with Him in His ways, and who love the One whom He has sent.

God’s children are righteous just as He is righteous. 1 John 3:7. They are peacemakers. Matt. 5:9. They love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who persecute them. They are to be perfect, even as their Father in heaven is perfect. Matt. 5:44-48.

They consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in them, and because they are willing to suffer, they will be rewarded by being heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

They have not received the spirit of bondage, causing them to be afraid, anxious or worried about the future. They have received the Spirit of liberty and of adoption in which they can rejoice in the hope of the redemption and glory of the children of God.

Because they live a life of obedience in this Spirit and overcome in their daily temptations and trials—both small and great—they do not need to cast down their eyes as Cain did, but they can look up and boldly call out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with their spirit that they are children of God. Rom. 8:14-18.

You might say, “Is it really possible for us wretched and miserable beings to partake of such an exalted and blessed life?” Yes, it is possible! Those who receive Christ as the Light and the Truth have the right and the power by His Spirit to be true children of God in the midst of an evil and dark world. John 1:9-13. “Child of God” is an exalted name, so let us be aware of our responsibility for the honor of this name!

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3.