What it means to be a “child of God”

Mathetis Originals

To be a child of God is to be in a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We once were “dead spiritually in our trespasses and sins” (i.e., separated or cut off from God, Isaiah 59:1-2). The power of evil ruled our lives and we were under the wrath or condemnation of God (Ephesians 2:1-3).

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. (2:4-6, NLT)

The Apostle Paul explained in Galatians chapter 3 that we are “children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

. . .for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (verses 26-29)

Because we belong to God, we are to imitate God’s love and live holy lives of good deeds that honor God (Ephesians 5:1-2; 2:10). Children of God are to live according to the teaching and leadership of the Holy Spirit and “not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The “works of the flesh” (5:19-21) are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (5:22). In Ephesians chapters 4, 5 and 6 Paul names the “old sinful, selfish ways of the flesh” that are to be put off and contrasts them with the new way of life in Christ Jesus that children of God are to lead.

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Group Progress

What it means to be a “child of God”

Mathetis Originals