“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God…” – 1 John 3:1 (NKJV)
We are urged to see, take notice, consider, look by faith, with wonder and astonishment, and observe how great the favour, when an instance of matchless love, a wonderful blessing of grace, the Father hath bestowed upon us. The Father of Christ, and the Father of us in Christ, who hath adopted us into His family, and regenerated us by His grace, and hath freely given us the new name that we should be called the sons of God.
This blessing comes not by nature, not by merit, but by grace, the grace of adoption, which is of persons unto an inheritance they have no legal right unto. The spring of this blessing is the everlasting and unchangeable love of God. By nature, being children of wrath means that it is a privilege that exceeds all others. Therefore, we are called upon to view it (His love) with admiration and thankfulness.
Here are a few truths of our adoption:
1. It is a high honour and privilege of our salvation (John 1:12; Galatians 4:7).
2. It is the basis for our faith and trust in God (Matthew 6:25-34).
3. God wants us to be increasingly aware through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:15) that we are His children. The Spirit produces the cry “Abba Father” in our hearts and gives us the desire to be led by Him (Romans 8:14).
4. It is the basis for our discipline by the Father (Hebrews 12: 6-7,11) and the reason we live to please God.
5. God’s ultimate goal in making us His children is to save us forever (John 3:16) and to conform us to the likeness of his Son (Romans 8:29)
My brothers and sisters, because of God’s everlasting love towards us, we are in a privileged position of heirship. What love! What a Father! Shalom, as we serve Him!
Read: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Colossians 3:23-24
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 24; Mark 5:21-43; Mark 6:1-6; Exodus 27; Exodus 28
