Children of God

Sunday, September 08, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Romans 8:15–17

Most children in our society grow up learning to talk from their parents. So it’s no surprise that for many the first word is either “Mama” or “Dada.” It is an early expression of a relationship that will grow and develop over the years. In its simplicity, though it conveys great meaning. It speaks of love and trust and kinship. It is this two-syllable Dada that is similar to the Hebrew Abba that we are allowed to use in addressing God because He has made us His children through salvation. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1).

We would never think of walking into a stranger’s house at mealtime and sitting down at the table, expecting to be served a meal. We have no relationship with them and no reason to expect them to respond to us. But when we come to God, we are walking into the presence of our Father. And while He is a high and holy God to be worshiped and feared, He is also our Abba who loves us deeply. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. said that prayer for our needs to be met was like sitting down at the dinner table and saying, “Pappy, please pass the biscuits.” We do not treat God flippantly or casually, but we do have the right to boldly enter His presence on the basis of our adoption into His family.

Today's Growth Principle: 

Never lose sight of the amazing love your Father in Heaven has for you.