Does this sounds too much like some new age thinking? Like I'm claiming to be some sort of deity?
It seems wrong to call ourselves a son of God. According to the law in Jesus day claiming to be the son of God was punishable by death.
"The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God." (John 19:7)
But what do our scriptures say:
"He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Rev 21:7 )
"But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a bondservant though he is lord of all; but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed of the father. So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world: but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So that thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God."
(Gal 4:1-7)
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
(Rom 8:15-17 ESV)
OK, the rest of these verses talk about being children of god. But if I'm a child, who is male, I'd be a son, right?
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (Joh 1:12-13 ESV)
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." (1Jn 3:1-2 ESV)
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Eph 5:1 ESV)
"It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not?" (Heb 12:7)
"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments." (1Jn 5:1-2 ESV)
"By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." (1Jn 3:10 ESV)
OK, that's enough. Certainly more references to calling us children of God than there is using the word Christian. Why don't we call ourselves by this name more often? Is it too childish? Are we too proud to call ourselves children of God?
What about calling ourselves a son of God? It seems wrong, but I'm not sure what the difference is?
Is this related?
"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke 18:1)I've been appreciating the imagery of being a child of God lately. There are many similarities between the way my children interact with me that are similar to how I relate to God. I'm often not very quick at responding to Father's will. I'm usually self absorbed. I love Father lots, but I don't say it enough, or act in ways that show it enough. Sometimes there are consequences for my actions, but always love, forgiveness, mercy and grace.
Is this related to the current kingdom of God? Is my position in this reign of God that of a son of the King?
I'm not the perfect son, but God has chosen me to be His son, and I am amazed by that.
Thoughts?
2 comments:
I think you are absolutely right. God has called us to be His children because there is nothing more intimate than the love between a parent and a child. The way that God protects us, provides for us, disciplines us, and helps us grow is the very image of a perfect Father.
We're called to have faith like a child. And we've been told that the prayers of a child are the most powerful. There's nothing I believe more than identifying myself as His daughter. And I very much believe you are His son. And that we are brothers and sisters in Him!
Great thoughts! If only all Christians would see the need to go back to basic and simple child-like faith.
-Amanda
Thanks Amanda for the comments.
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