No. 2.
MY DEAR ―, In my last, I endeavored to show from Scripture that we have everlasting life as a present possession, and are enjoined to walk in newness of life.
It is well also to know, that God has called us into the highest possible relationship to Himself―that of “sons.” This also is a present blessing, and is full of comfort and power, both for service and for walk. “Beloved, now are we the SONS OF GOD.” (1 John 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2).) God has made us this by calling in the sovereignty of His grace. He might have saved us, and still kept us in no nearer position than that of servants; but this would not satisfy the Father’s heart, or answer to His eternal purpose in Christ; for He would have us as children before Him in love. Hence we are called sons of God: sons according to God’s eternal purpose and grace, sons by regeneration, sons by adoption. It is because of this that the Spirit of Christ has taken up His abode in us. “Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6).) Or, as it is elsewhere expressed, “Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Rom. 8:1515For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15).) This shows us the deep intimacy of relationship and affection into which God has brought us; we are so dear to the Father’s heart, that Jesus could say, “Thou hast loved them as thou hast loved Me.” Can anything, I would ask, exceed the place of standing and privilege the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has brought us into? Can we think of a higher relationship that God could give to creatures than that of sons? And do we take this place, and give God the praise and glory due to His name for it?
But more than this. The Spirit of God is the teacher of this wondrous truth; for God would not have us lose the comfort or enjoyment of such dignity as He has brought us into. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (Rom. 8:1616The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16).) Mark the word “are,” because it shows us that the Spirit of God teaches us that it is a present reality. And further, “if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” Being sons, and loved as Christ is, God gives us the expectation of sharing the inheritance with Him. How very blessed! Well hath the Holy Ghost said that God is rich in mercy to us. We are, then, children of God. We are therefore instructed to be worshippers of the Father, in Spirit and in truth, to be obedient children, to love the brethren, to be subject to our Father’s will, carrying out His word continually in our daily walk. Having given us His word and Spirit, we are therefore bound to know His mind― “not to be unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” As a Father, God teaches, rules, and disciplines us, not for His profit, but for our blessing. He provides for us, and so cares for us, that He bids us not to be anxious about present or future necessities, but to cast every care upon Him, because He careth for us; to reckon upon His Fatherly provision, and to make all our requests known unto Him. He bids us look to the fowls of the air and lilies of the valley―to learn lessons of His Fatherly care over us; and further teaches us that, “If ye being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him.”
May we not be slow of heart to give our heavenly Father credit for such amazing grace, and may we have a single eye to walk so as to be well pleasing in His sight.
Yours affectionately,