What does being God's "son" in Revelation 21:7 mean for believers today? Revelation 21:7 in focus “The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.” Who is “the one who overcomes”? • 1 John 5:4-5 links overcoming to faith in Jesus: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world… the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” • Overcoming is not reserved for an elite few; it describes every genuine believer who perseveres in Christ. “My son” – a title loaded with meaning 1. Adoption • John 1:12-13 – “to all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” • Galatians 4:4-7 – God sends “the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father!’” • Adoption is legal, permanent, and affectionate. Believers have full family status right now. 2. Inheritance • Romans 8:17 – “if children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” • 1 Peter 1:4 – “an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.” • Revelation 21:7 promises “all things”—the renewed creation, perfect fellowship, and eternal glory. 3. Intimacy • 2 Corinthians 6:18 – “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters.” • Hebrews 4:16 – sons have confident access: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with boldness.” • Prayer, worship, and daily life are lived in close, family-level relationship. 4. Identity & Security • 1 John 3:1 – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.” • God’s declaration overrides every other label—our worth and future are settled. 5. Discipline & Growth • Hebrews 12:6-7 – “the Lord disciplines the one He loves… God is treating you as sons.” • Correction is a sign of belonging, shaping us into Christlike maturity. Living out sonship today • Rest in assurance: nothing can sever the Father-child bond (John 10:28-29). • Walk in holiness: family likeness matters (Ephesians 5:1 – “be imitators of God, as beloved children”). • Pray boldly: sons talk freely with their Father. • Endure hardship with hope: overcoming now points to reigning then (2 Timothy 2:12). • Celebrate community: every believer is a sibling; love the family well (Galatians 6:10). Looking ahead Revelation 21:7 anchors present faith in a future reality: the day we fully inherit “all things” and visibly enjoy our Father forever. Until that day, sonship shapes our identity, fuels our perseverance, and saturates every corner of life with confident joy. |
    |