Post by foxjj on Jun 27, 2019 16:28:49 GMT
Becoming Children Of God
As Christians, we know that because of the sacrifice of The Lord Jesus, all have the opportunity of coming to salvation. That been said, our lives should reflect this knowledge when mindful of what Jesus taught: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32-36)
“you will be sons of the Most High.” An amazing statement. Jesus is categorically stating that we, although sinners, can become sons and daughters of The Lord God Almighty. In his Gospel, John explained it this way: “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)
The designation children of God is not, as some assume, a right given to all people. According to Scripture; it is given to those who have accepted the sacrificial death of our Savior, and only to them because, they are the redeemed. In other words, as redeemed people, we have been bought back from the world of sin as a consequence of accepting the sacrifice of Jesus upon our behalf. Accordingly, we have been born again as explained in John 3:5-7: “Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”
There is no other way to God apart from the cross. Scripture is very clear on this point because, it is the only way designated by our Heavenly Father. Therefore, been a born again believer implies that one has been redeemed and is a follower of Jesus. How do we know how to follow Jesus? My reading His word - the Scriptures - which have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. These same Scriptures have been preserved for us down through the ages. They are our instructions on how to live the Christian life.
All of this prompts critical questions; am I living as Jesus desires for me to live? Is my life an example to the world of Christian living? Also there are these important questions that we must ask ourselves: Do I know for a fact that my sins are forgiven? Do I have the blessed assurance that, if I died today, I would be in the presence of God? In other words, am I born again? If you answered yes to these questions, praise be to God. If you are still unsure, just speak to The Lord, for He is always listening.
Today, let us praise God for the wonderful opportunity of becoming His child.
John Joseph Fox.
As Christians, we know that because of the sacrifice of The Lord Jesus, all have the opportunity of coming to salvation. That been said, our lives should reflect this knowledge when mindful of what Jesus taught: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32-36)
“you will be sons of the Most High.” An amazing statement. Jesus is categorically stating that we, although sinners, can become sons and daughters of The Lord God Almighty. In his Gospel, John explained it this way: “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)
The designation children of God is not, as some assume, a right given to all people. According to Scripture; it is given to those who have accepted the sacrificial death of our Savior, and only to them because, they are the redeemed. In other words, as redeemed people, we have been bought back from the world of sin as a consequence of accepting the sacrifice of Jesus upon our behalf. Accordingly, we have been born again as explained in John 3:5-7: “Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”
There is no other way to God apart from the cross. Scripture is very clear on this point because, it is the only way designated by our Heavenly Father. Therefore, been a born again believer implies that one has been redeemed and is a follower of Jesus. How do we know how to follow Jesus? My reading His word - the Scriptures - which have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. These same Scriptures have been preserved for us down through the ages. They are our instructions on how to live the Christian life.
All of this prompts critical questions; am I living as Jesus desires for me to live? Is my life an example to the world of Christian living? Also there are these important questions that we must ask ourselves: Do I know for a fact that my sins are forgiven? Do I have the blessed assurance that, if I died today, I would be in the presence of God? In other words, am I born again? If you answered yes to these questions, praise be to God. If you are still unsure, just speak to The Lord, for He is always listening.
Today, let us praise God for the wonderful opportunity of becoming His child.
John Joseph Fox.