Connect 1 John 3:1 with John 1:12 on becoming God's children. The Father’s Lavish Love “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God—and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) • John invites us to pause—“See!”—and behold the magnitude of the Father’s love. • The word “lavished” signals an abundant, overflowing gift, not a measured or reluctant allowance. • Being called “children of God” is not a sentimental label but a declarative, God-given identity: “that is what we are!” Receiving the Right to Be Children “But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) • “Receive” and “believe” are two sides of the same coin—embracing Jesus personally and trusting who He is. • God grants a “right” (Greek: exousia, legal authority) to become His children. This right is God-conferred, not self-earned. From Legal Right to Living Reality Linking John 1:12 with 1 John 3:1 shows the movement: 1. John 1:12—God gives the right. 2. 1 John 3:1—That right blossoms into present reality: “and that is what we are.” Other passages echo the same progression: • Galatians 3:26—“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” • Romans 8:15—“You received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” • Ephesians 1:5—“He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” Living as Recognized Children Because we are now God’s children: • Intimacy: We address God as “Father” (Romans 8:15). • Identity: Our worth rests in belonging to Him, not in worldly accolades. • Conduct: We reflect the family likeness—“everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure” (1 John 3:3). • Opposition: “The world does not know us” (1 John 3:1b). Expect misunderstanding; our ultimate affirmation comes from the Father. Key Takeaways for Everyday Life • Salvation is more than forgiveness; it is a full adoption into God’s family. • Faith in Jesus transfers us from outsiders to insiders with all the rights of heirs (Romans 8:17). • Our daily walk flows from knowing whose children we are—loved, secure, and destined to resemble our Father. |
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