“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” – 1 John 3:2
At the cross God extended great and immeasurable mercy on mankind (Romans 6:23). Christ died for the worst and the least of sinners, because all sin deserves punishment by death (Roman 3:23). Christ bore our penalty for our sin; so that we can receive His righteousness in exchange (2 Corinthians 5:21).
What a powerful demonstration of God's eternal love toward those who love Him (Jeremiah 31:3)! Although God offers salvation to everyone, each one of us must accept this free gift individually.
Born Again people can no
longer live in habitual sin (1 John 2:3-6, James 1:12-16, 1 John 3:7-10). If we were convicted of our sin, asked Jesus to
forgive us, worship with other Believers, talk to God and He continually draws
us closer to Himself, we will change. However, if there was no spirit
transformation in us, our experience was merely a sentimental occurrence in our
soul – in our mind, will and emotions. Our spirit was never born again. It is
still dead in trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1). If we still live in habitual sin, we are not living
a converted life and we are not saved from the power of sin. According to 1
John 3:9, this lifestyle proves that we are lost and going to hell.
Those who live in consistent
sin were just convicted and not converted. He/she is double-minded in their
lifestyle and not sincere in their service. They changed nothing by praying the sinner's
prayer, going to church, serving in a ministry, talking to God, getting
baptized or even tithing their income. They are just doing good works, and that
does not get you into heaven (Eph 2:8, Rom 6:12-14, Matt 5:27-30, Rom 7:13).
To
all who actually receive Jesus, however, who believe in His name, who
surrendered their life to Him and who are led by His Spirit (Romans
8:14), God gave
them the right to become His children (John 1:12). Therefore, only Born Again believers are children of God through our
faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). How do we know if we truly are God’s children? God’s Spirit bears
witness with our spirit that we are His children (Romans 8:16). He is our Father and He lavishes His love upon us (2
Corinthians 6:18; 1 John 3:1). Now, all
of creation eagerly waits for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters, so it
too can experience this same salvation (Romans 8:19).
Without
faith, it is impossible to please God. In fact, anyone who wants to become His
son must believe both that God exists and also that He rewards those who
sincerely seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). When people mock us, lie about us, persecute and say
evil things about us, their words and actions do not need to have any affect on
us. In fact, we can be thrilled about this mistreatment; we can leap for joy,
because we are counted worthy to suffer in a similar manner that such great men
of faith as the apostles and prophets, as well as Christ also suffered. God
blesses us as His true followers and a great reward waits for all of us in
heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).
Another reason we can
rejoice when we encounter trials and problems is because we know that God is
working endurance in us. Then, this endurance produces character and eventually
a hope that is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His righteousness (Romans
5:3-4). We have a secure hope, which
anchors our soul during the tempests of life (Hebrews 6:19). We will receive the crown of life, which God prepared
for those who love Him (James 1:12). Also,
if we go one step further and love people who insist on treating us as enemies,
we gain an even greater reward (Matthew 5:46).
When Christ returns, He will
bring His reward with Him, and He will give to each of us according to the type
and amount of works we accomplished for Him during our lifetime
(Revelation 22:12). These works do not
earn our salvation, but they earn us our rewards (1 Corinthians 3:14). Who does not like a paycheck at the end of the work week?
Comprehending our standing
in Christ helps us to realize that we are different from non-believers. We no
longer need to live as slaves to sin, to the devil and to our flesh. This also
helps us to understand the plight of our unsaved family and friends, and
encourages us to make a difference in the world to which God calls us. Do
people know who you really are and what you truly stand for? Are your actions
and words any different from an unsaved person’s? Do your friends and family
know that you are a child of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the life-altering change You made in our lives. Your death on the cross gives us victory over sin and Your resurrection secures for us victory over death. I now have eternal life in You through Your mercy and grace. I love to meditate on your promises and to praise You for all that You do for me each day. Spur me on now to share this life-changing power with everyone I meet.
Thought for the Day:
We sinners become
sons of God, because the firstborn Son of God bore the punishment of our sin.Thank you, Tonia Neal, for the use of your photo.
