Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1a
Once a baby is born into this world, he/she is someone’s child, someone’s son or daughter. Sometimes the parents are not able or do not want to care for the child and then the child can be adopted by people who have a desire to love and care for him/her. Special papers are signed and by law that child now has the same rights and privileges as if he were born into that family. No papers can ever be signed to “unadopt” him. He will always be their son/daughter and their heir. He was chosen in particular. The adoptive parents had a choice as to whether they wanted him or not and so the adopted child should know for a fact that he was wanted very much and chosen from among many.
God had only one Son, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, but it is through His Son that we can become “sons of God” also. Are you adopted? No, I don’t mean in the physical sense, but have you been adopted into the Family of God? Let’s consider for a few moments what the Word of God says about this great and high privilege. Galatians 3:26 says “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ.”
First of all we become a child of God because we are redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Again Galatians 4:5 says, “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” When God grants us faith to believe this, we immediately become a part of the Family of God. The Bible says, “And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:18.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12
Isn’t that wonderful? We now have the same rights and privileges as a son or daughter.
And if children, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17
What an inheritance we have been given: first, we are chosen among many, then redeemed from the curse of the law, then called a son of God, and then we are freely given a rich and lasting inheritance. All this is ours with absolutely no merit on our part.
Meditating on these thoughts is certainly a humbling experience—-to think that we become joint heirs with the One who shed His blood for us. An honor certainly and completely undeserved, but thankfully and humbly received. “Behold what manner of love…..”
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Robin Schultz says
I, too went to church and was a “believer”, but not an “understander”. It took a lot for me to become an “understander”, but I am so grateful God wanted me to KNOW Him.
Gail Slawson says
Praise the Lord that He revealed Himself to you! It’s all a work of grace. Gail
http://www.bibleencouragement.org
Kate @ DCL says
Beautiful! We recently adopted our youngest daughter, and I couldn’t help but think of all the parallels. Wonderfull to see it so well expressed!
Gail Slawson says
How wonderful for your newest little girl to now have a family to call her own forever. God bless you for opening your hearts. Kate!
http://www.bibleencouragement.org