FAITH: Being A Child Of God Is The Best!

The most famous adoption in history occurred in ancient Rome. Julius Caesar adopted a young man by the name of Gaius Octavius. After Julius Caesar’s death Octavius became emperor. His name was eventually changed to Caesar Augustus. Caesar Augustus became Rome’s greatest emperor ruling from 27 BC to 14 AD.

Every Christian is adopted into God’s family. There is nothing better than being adopted into God’s family! Four adoptions are mentioned in the Old Testament. Moses and Esther were adopted. Two United States presidents were adopted. Two First Ladies were adopted. But the greatest adoption story of all time is yours- if you are a follower of the Lord Jesus. Romans 8:14 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” This great verse reveals three insights into our adoption as God’s children.

The first insight is that not every person is God’s child. Unfortunately, this is the bad news. Every person has a relationship with God in that God is their Creator. Acts 17:28 says, “For in Him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘But we are indeed His offspring.’ Being then God’s offspring….” We are fearfully and wonderfully made. God created us. God is our Creator but we are all born in sin.

In John 8:44 Jesus made a very shocking statement. Jesus told the Pharisees, “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44). That is why we must be born again! Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, “You must be born again.” We must turn from our sin and trust the Lord Jesus for salvation.

The second insight is that all true Christians have been adopted by God. Romans 8:15 says, “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 out, ‘Abba, Father!’” The “spirit of slavery” is one of fear and dread and punishment. People are afraid to die because we know we have sinned against God. But through the work of the Lord Jesus even the fear of death is gone! Jesus died for our sins. He suffered the Father’s wrath for our sins. He bore our punishment.

Abba is an Aramaic word. It means daddy or papa. A German scholar named Jeremias extensively researched this word last century. Jeremias discovered that abba was originally how a small child addressed his father. The Jewish Talmud says, “When a child discovers the taste of wheat (after he is weaned from his mother’s milk) he learns to says, ‘Abba’ and ‘Emma.’” Abba and Emma were the first words a child babbled to describe his parents. It is like our terms daddy and mamma.

Is this how you think of God? Before salvation God was our Creator and King and Judge. But in Christ you become God’s son or God’s daughter. God not only redeems from the penalty of sin, He also makes us His children. He welcomes us into His family.

Most people knock before entering my office. My children barge right in and I like it! 1 John 3:1 says, “See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.” As fathers we love our children. We provide for our children. We protect our children. We care for our children. God’s love for you is much greater than any earthly parent’s love for their children. The ultimate security is being adopted into God’s family.

The third insight is that the test of true sonship is being led by the Spirit. Romans 8:14 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” There is a paternity test. A true son or daughter of God manifests a life of obedience to the Word of God. Being “led by the Spirit” is not mystical or subjective. It is obeying God’s Word. When a person comes to saving faith, the pattern of their life changes. Perfection is not possible in this life. However, Jesus said that His followers will be known by their fruit (Matthew 7:16).

I have a wonderful father. I could not ask for a better father. I love spending time with my father. However, my true Father is in heaven. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ I have been adopted into His family. One day He will call me home and what a great day that will be and we will spend eternity together! Won’t you trust Jesus today?

Pastor Ethan Hansen

Faith Bible Fellowship

Big Lake, AK