| “Beloved, now are we the sons of God … ” (1 John 3:2). |
| “Having predestinated us [chosen beforehand] unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself” (Ephesians 1:5). |
| There are two ways that we can become part of a family. One is to be born into the family, and the other is to be adopted into it. In each way, we are equally children of that family. God has made us His children in both of these ways! We are “born” into His family when we are born again, and He also tells us we are “adopted.” That means that we were chosen specially to be a part of this wonderful family. |
| In a past eternity, long before the world was created, God had a plan for this family. He was God. He didn’t need anything, except someone to love! He wanted children, and He wanted them all to be like His Son, the Lord Jesus. So when we read that verse in Romans 8:29, we see that any troubles and difficulties in our lives are sent to us that we might be “conformed to the image of His Son.” In other words, the troubles are like a carving tool. They are cutting and shaping us to be in the same image as the Lord Jesus. It is a really special privilege to be shaped to be like sons of God. |
| And there is another thing about families; they have similar characteristics. The more each of us is like the Lord Jesus, the more we are like one another. And what a huge family it is! You may go into a restaurant and see another family across the room, and notice that they bow their heads and thank the Lord for the meal they are about to have. Immediately you realize that they must be Christians too, and you want to go over to them and meet them. They are your brothers and sisters in Christ! |
| You can travel all over the world and meet family members of every nationality and race. Immediately there is a link between you, and you feel a wonderful bond that joins you together, as you are all a part of God’s family. You may have your dad’s eyes, and your mom’s curly hair, but in God’s family, it is the hearts that match! First John 3:14 tells us that this is one of the signs that someone is a Christian — “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” |
| One other special thing about this family is that God is our Father, and He wants us to come to Him and call Him, “Father.” He will comfort us and encourage us, and also correct us when necessary. And He never makes a mistake! It is an awesome relationship that God has designed for His family. |
