Tag child of God

All Spiritual Blessings In Christ: Adoption

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Adoption & Heirs
Every spiritual blessing God gives comes to us only in Christ. The apostle Paul opens Ephesians with this sweeping truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3).

Among the greatest of these blessings are adoption and inheritance. Through faith in Jesus, God takes us who were once outsiders and adopts us as His own children. We are no longer slaves or strangers but sons and daughters in His family. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7).

This adoption brings full rights. We receive the Spirit of adoption. And because we are now children, we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. An eternal inheritance awaits us that nothing in this world can take away. “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” (Romans 8:15-17).

How did we come to this inheritance and adoption? Paul wrote by inspiration, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).

We’re able to be baptized into Christ because of what He did on the cross. “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby… Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:14-19);

All of it is found in Christ alone. Through Jesus we are welcomed home, fully adopted, and made rich with every spiritual blessing the Father has to give. Now all that remains is the redemption of our body when Christ returns. “…even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). Having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Peter 1:3-5).

Agape
spencer

Who are we? We are just CHRISTIANS.

The Preacher 3 Comments

WE ARE JUST CHRISTIANS

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:28,29).

We’re often asked to show our ID’s. From getting on a plane, to buying things on credit, or to the police officer that pulled me over looking for my autograph.

We use identification to gain access to banking accounts, safety deposit boxes, and the like.

When we speak about locating the Lord’s church, we look for its identifying marks. What does it teach about salvation, assembling together for worship, morality, and eschatology.

The Christian has an identity also. It’s interesting to note that our identity is in relationship to our God and to fellow Christians.

Let us explore our multifaceted identity as outlined in God’s Word.

When viewed in relation to God we are His children. “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2Cor 6:18)

When viewed in relation of hope we are heirs. “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. 8:17)

When viewed in relation to each other we are brethren. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1)

When viewed in relation to character we are saints. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 1:7)

If viewed as fighters we are soldiers. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2Tim. 2:3)

When viewed in relation to our abode upon earth we are pilgrims. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1Pet. 2:11.)

When viewed as the Image of Christ we are persecuted. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1Pet 4:13; cf. Matt 10:24,25; 2Tim 3:12).

When viewed as learners of Christ we are disciples (adherents). “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19 ASV).

When viewed in relation to Christ we have a name; we are called Christians. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26b).

When viewed as workers for the Lord we are servants of Christ. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13).

Agape,

Spencer

We are striving to be undenominational and non-sectarian. We plead for a restoration of New Testament Christianity. It is our sincere conviction that one cannot be right in the sight of God by ignoring and disregarding the teaching of God’s word. Let us strive to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).

1John 3:19-24, The CHILD of God

The Preacher 1 Comment

The CHILD of God can know. 1John 3:19-24

19-24) The child of God can know…

# CLEAR Conscience. 3:20-21.

# HEAR Him. 4:6; 1:1-5; 2:7,24; 3:11.

# IF we walk, confess, keep, hear, love. 1:7; 9; 2:3,24; 4:12;

# LOVE Him and those He Loves. 3:18-23.

# DO those things pleasing to Him. 3:22.

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Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.

1John 3 Overview.

The Preacher 1 Comment

1John 3; LOVING God.

LOVING GOD.

3:1-3) Looks up in Hope. (2:28)

4-6) Opposes Sin.

7-13) Violent children of the Devil.

13-15) In Eternal Death or In life.

16-18) Needs & Deeds.

19-24) God is Greater than our hearts.

Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.