Heirs of God

WE HAVE ALL AT ONE time been slaves, in a sense. As Apostle Peter noted, “By what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.” (II Pet. 2:19, New American Standard Bible) Apostle Paul tells us what has enslaved us, identifying them as deeds of the flesh that we need to deaden in ourselves. “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. … in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. … Put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” (Col. 3:5-10, NKJV) Now, as God’s children, we rejoice that Christ enables us to walk in newness of life.

Sonship with God is not an assumed position, but a rare privilege. That familial relationship with God comes only with acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior. Note the record in John’s Gospel, that Jesus “came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13, NKJV) Those who receive Christ are given the “right” to become children of God.

“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:14-17) It is in receiving and following the leadings of the “Spirit of adoption” that we are blessed at the present time. Yet, there are many joys, told and untold, that will follow in the future.

The Scriptures declare a grand purpose of our adoption. “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29, NKJV) Genesis 22:18 reveals the significance of being Abraham’s seed, expressed in God’s great promise, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” (NKJV) God’s sons, Christ’s disciples, the heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, will bless all the nations of the earth. God’s words to Abraham remain the essence of the Gospel message. “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, In you all the nations shall be blessed.”—Gal. 3:8, NKJV

For over ninety years this journal has been sharing the message that all the nations will be blessed, whether living or long dead. Being the heirs of God and the promised seed of Abraham, Jesus and his church will bless all mankind in God’s kingdom. What a blessing to be given such a privilege!