1 John 3:1 says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” What exactly does that mean?
I’ve seen some of what wealthy parents can do for their children. They have more of everything and get to do things that regular people can’t afford. They are given the best. People treat them so nice and want to do things for them hoping to get some of their wealth or to win favor from their parents. It doesn’t always turn out to be good for them, but I wouldn’t mind trying out that kind of life. Maybe that’s what I’ll get from GOD as a “son of GOD?”
It doesn’t seem likely if we use JESUS as an example. Yes, I’m sure He lived in splendor in Heaven, but “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). What if GOD decides to sacrifice me to save someone else?
What about the benefits of being a son of GOD? I could use some of that here and now! Isn’t GOD supposed to bless us here on this earth (Deu 28:6)? Why did JESUS have to be born to a poor family and be laid in a manger (Luke 2:7)? If He didn’t get the benefits of being the SON of GOD, what chance do I have of getting what I deserve?
I’m not sure being a son of GOD is the road to earthly success. JESUS lived in poverty for 33+ years and was nearly whipped to death before He died a tortuous death on the cross! Considering who He was and who I am, how can I hope for a better outcome?
Let’s look at this not from the view of what I can get, but what I really deserve. I deserve to die because “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 KJV), GOD’s standard is perfection (Mat 5:48), and “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23 KJV). If GOD never gave me anything else, He has already given more than I could ask for and certainly more than I deserve!
But what about the promises of GOD and what happened to JESUS? JESUS was the obedient Son and was “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil 2:8 KJV) because only His sinless shed blood could pay for our sin. JESUS loved GOD with His all and loved us (Mat 22:37 and 39) enough to die for our sins and then commanded us to love one another as He loved us (John 13:34).
Does that mean I must die for others? That means you must obey GOD and live for others. JESUS commissioned us to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15 KJV). Obeying JESUS could cost you your life, but that’s ok because “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 KJV). When you die you will hear “enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Mat 25:21 KJV) where you will live forever in royal splendor as a son of GOD!
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!