What does being called "children of God" imply about our identity in Christ? Seeing the Wonder of the Title “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1) An Identity Anchored in the Father’s Love • We are not merely labeled “children” as a courtesy; God’s lavish love makes it factual. • John marvels, inviting us to pause and let the truth sink in—our identity begins with the Father’s initiative, not our merit (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:5). • The phrase “and that is what we are” settles any doubt; this is present-tense reality, not future possibility. Adoption: From Rebels to Relatives • By nature we were estranged (Ephesians 2:3), yet through Christ we receive “the Spirit of adoption” (Romans 8:15). • Adoption is legal and permanent—God signs His name to our lives. • We now cry “Abba, Father,” enjoying the same intimacy Jesus shares with the Father (Galatians 4:4-7). Privileges of Belonging • Inheritance—“heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). • Access—free approach to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). • Care—daily provision and discipline that proves true sonship (Matthew 6:31-33; Hebrews 12:5-8). • Protection—kept by the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29). • Family name—bearing God’s reputation in the world (2 Corinthians 6:18). A Family Resemblance Forming in Us • Children grow to look like their parents; believers are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). • Holiness is the family likeness: “as obedient children, do not conform to the passions of the past” (1 Peter 1:14-16). • Love is the household ethic—“anyone who loves is born of God” (1 John 4:7). • Peacemaking marks us out—“they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Security for Today, Hope for Tomorrow • The world may not recognize us, yet the Father does; our worth is settled. • Future certainty: “Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed” (1 John 3:2). • This hope purifies us, motivating steady growth (1 John 3:3). Walking Worthy of the Name • Live confidently—no need to earn what is already given. • Live gratefully—daily choices become thank-you notes to the Father. • Live expectantly—each hardship is fatherly training, not abandonment (Hebrews 12:10-11). • Live representatively—wherever we go, the family of God is on display (Philippians 2:15). Being called children of God means our identity is rooted, privileged, transforming, and eternally secure—all because of the Father’s irresistible love expressed in Christ. |
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