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THE IDENTITY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
1 John 3:1-3
John 1:12
 
“… to them gave he power
to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name.”
 
THE IDENTITY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD
 
The manifestation of fellowship with Christ is seen in the purity of life and the exercise of righteousness. This would never be possible without the atoning work of Christ. Above all there is also bestowal of grace that leads to salvation through faith. The Apostle exclaimed that this is the gift of the love of God. In this, the believers qualify as the sons of God. In John 1:29 and 36, John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. The disciples who heard John speaking thus followed Jesus (John 1:37).
 
The Lamb was a reference to the Passover lamb that was offered every year. This sacrifice was a type of the Messiah and those disciples understood what John meant. Here is the promise given earlier through the prophet Isaiah: “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off” (Isa 56:5). John 1:12 asserted that those who receive Him are given the power to become the sons of God. The disciples were called Christians the first time at Antioch (Acts 11:26). It was meant to be a derogatory term but it stuck as their honourable identity. They were truly the children of God because they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. The world does not know them because it does not know Christ.
 
John again pointed to the future as the culmination of their faith in Christ. He noted that “… it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). The appearance of the Lord refers to His Second Coming again. It will truly be a turning point where the hope of Christians will be realised. He added, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). Do you?
 
THOUGHT: Jesus merited the adoption of believers.
PRAYER: Lord, may I value my position merited by Christ.

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