A Family Resemblance

When a couple chooses to start a family, there are basically two options with many variations in between those two points. In a natural birth, God chooses the child. In an adoption, the parents choose the child (or in the end does God have a say in that too).

When you put faith in the Almighty for your eternal destination, a wonderful thing happens. He adopts you into His family. (Ephesians 1:4-5) You have been pursued (and chosen) by the Almighty. Romans 8:14-17 (CEB) summarizes the divine process like this:

All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.  You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” 

The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children.  But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with Him so that we can also be glorified with Him.

When someone is brought into the family of God, the Heavenly Father and His valuable wisdom (and love) become completely available to the new adoptee. The process starts with full emancipation (from one’s previous sinful habits) by the Heavenly Father.

Emotionally and spiritually, your history has been wiped clean, and you get a fresh new start. You know have the power to overcome the terrible things in your past.

As a dearly loved child, you now can have an intimate relationship with the Almighty. He is a father that can never disappoint you. You are permanent addition to this divine family connection that can never be revoked. (John 10:28-30). This process is a reminder of your connection to the Almighty as His son or daughter.

Spiritual adoption has both its pluses and minuses. As God’s heir, all of His riches (and blessings) are also yours. (Psalm 73:25-26, I Peter 1:4) You now bear a family resemblance to His character.

Part of being a child of the King may involve suffering. (Acts 5:41, Philippians 1:29, I Peter 4:16) Though no one wants discomfort, its benefits include: one’s faith growing stronger (Ephesians 6:16), increased rewards in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), and the message of the Bible being given to others. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Humans tend to have the habit of identifying their future possibilities with past mistakes. Instead, I John 3:1(MSG) provides this information about one’s true identity (in Him).

“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who He is or what He’s up to.”

Christian artist, Matthew West, added to the above thought in this abbreviated version of his song, Hello, My Name Is. Do you identify with these lyrics?

Verse One

Hello, my name is regret
I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget
Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief

Chorus

Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

Verse Two

I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life

*Inspired by the sermon “Because You Belong…You Are God’s Child!” (Installment Three) Pastor Dave Jansen, July 24, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH