By Rev Victor Neill
‘Behold what manner (incredible quality) of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called (named) the sons (children) of God’ 1st John 3 v 1
Choosing a name for a child is always important and therefore to think that God has chosen to call all who have received Christ, ‘the children of God’, and therefore part of His Royal family - what a privilege! ‘As many as received Him (Christ) , to them gave He power (the privilege, the right) to become the sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on His Name’ (John 1 v12).
Because of God’s amazing love for His children, He will therefore direct them in the right paths ‘He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake’ (Ps 23 v 3). He will keep a constant, protective watch over them ‘He that keepeth thee will not slumber’ ( Ps 121 v 3). He will provide for all their needs (not their greeds!). ‘My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus’ (Phil 4 v 19) and ‘The peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’ (Phil 4 v7). It seems there is no ending to blessings for the children of God!
However, the world does not recognise our status as children of God ‘therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew Him not ‘ ( vs1b). We ought not to be surprised by opposition, not everyone will receive our testimony, Jesus said ‘the servant is not greater than His Lord, if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you’ (John 15 v 20).
But the wonderful truth is no matter what happens on earth - the child of God has a glorious future! ‘Beloved now are we the sons (children) 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’ (1st John 3 v 2). This will happen at the return of Christ, the children of God who are alive then, shall be transformed in an instant and those who have died in Christ will be reunited with their transformed, perfect body
‘For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile (lowly) body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is all able even to subdue (subject) all things unto Himself’ Phil 3 v 20&21
What a prospect for the children of God ‘We shall be like Him’!