The abiding disciple is constantly amazed at his relationship with the Father. Just as our Lord Jesus Christ is called the Son of God, so are we. Scripture states, "As many as are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God".1 This indicates that only those so led are children. To understand being a child we must look to Christ for the example.2
Sonship involves the following principles:
1. Sonship is being obedient. Jesus said, "I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love"3 The disciple desires and chooses the same obedience. Jesus even became obedient unto death, even death on the cross.4 He accomplished the work the Father gave Him to do, and all obedient children should desire the same.
2. "I will be a Father to you (the Holy ones), and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty".5 A Holy God can only be Father to Holy children. "What fellowship has light with darkness?" Remember, the principle is like produces like.
3. "By this it may be seen who are children of God, and who are children of the devil: whoever does not do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother".6 Further reading in 1 John indicates that to assume we are His children and not pursue righteousness and not love our brother makes us a liar.7
4. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children".8 To imitate God is to imitate His only Begotten Son. "Walk in love, as Christ loves us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God".9 A warning is obvious. Christian disciples do not imitate men they imitate God. Jesus Christ is the standard for all Sonship.
5. "Be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world".10 This is so we may bring the Light of our Heavenly Father to a 'dark' and sinful world.
6. "Beloved we are God's children NOW; it does not appear what we shall be, but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him"11
The greatest thrill of abiding in Christ as sons of God is to realize that we are being changed into the likeness of our Lord Jesus. We are God's children now and forever.12
Additional Scripture References:
John 15:10, John 1:12-14, John 14:6
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
Matthew 11:27
1. Romans 8:14
2. Romans 8:10-17
3. John 15:10
4. Philippians 2:8
5. 2 Corinthians 6:18
6. 1 John 3:10
7. 1 John 4:20
8. Ephesians 5:1
9. Ephesians 5:2
10. Philippians 2:15
11. 1 John 3:2
12. Romans 8:16
