CHILDREN OF GOD

As an aged apostle, John was so full of affection for the Christians to whom he wrote his epistles that he called them "my children" and "little children". In his endearing way he could include the grown-ups and the young ones in his 'family'. The believers, on their part, would be helped by his ministry, so simple and yet so profound, and one of the things that they would learn was to have love amongst themselves. As you will remember, John wrote one of his shorter epistles to a lady believer with her children and the other to Gaius whom he loved in truth. In his first epistle he referred several times to the believers as being "children of God", or by some similar expression relating to the work of God in and among them.

It is in the love of the Father that we are called to such a place in His family. I expect that all of us can remember at some time being told that we are like a parent or some other relative – and this would extend to our bearing and behaviour. Thus it is with the believer, older and younger, that we can all show the contented fear of God in our thoughts and ways.

It has been pointed out that Scripture does not use the expression 'child of God', but views believers as all in the one great family who show forth the glories of Him who has called them to represent Him down here. It was prophesied of the Lord Jesus that he would "gather together into one the children of God who were scattered abroad". They, on their part, have the witness of the Holy Spirit that they are such, and on account of the death and resurrection of Jesus they inherit with Him the blessings which love has promised.

Have you taken up your right to be called with others the children of God?

J.C.Evershed