Children Of The King

Read: John 1:1-14

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

IN WORD

“We’re all children of God.” That statement is foundational in popular spirituality, that mixed collection of beliefs embraced by those who are nonspecifically religious. And in a sense, it’s true. We’re all made in God’s image and created by Him. He is in some ways a Father to all.

But the New Testament is more specific about the fatherhood of God, applying it not to all who have been born naturally but only to those of us who have been born of His Spirit, who have been given the divine nature by virtue of faith in Him. We are children of an entirely different realm who have God’s own DNA planted within us. We were once only part of His creation, but now we are adopted into the royal family.

That means the Kingdom of God is not an impersonal government, a spiritual movement, or a world religion. It’s a family business. There’s work to be done, but it’s done in the context of personal and intimate relationships. We may be corrected at times, but there’s no possibility of being fired. We don’t have to worry about being exploited or abused, nor do we have to settle for mediocre pay or unfavorable policies. All decisions from the top are made with our best interests in mind. This family comprises the Kingdom of light because our King has no interest in darkness. We are royalty in a bright and shining realm.

IN DEED

Think of what it means to carry the divine nature within you. It means there is a light in you that can’t be extinguished, a purity in you that can’t be corrupted, a source in you that will never run out of energy, and a drive in you that never gives up. You are shaped for relentless love, hope, peace, grace, and joy. You have access to divine wisdom and power. In a world of darkness you are made to shine—just like your Father.

ADDITIONAL READING: 2 Peter 1:3-4

Adoption gives us the privilege of sons, regeneration the nature of sons.

STEPHEN CHARNOCK