Return to blog

When we receive Christ by faith, we have the privilege of becoming his children. We are adopted into His family. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12.

This refers to the status of all Christians, both men and women. We now enjoy all the privileges, obligations, and inheritance rights of God’s children. Here are some of the benefits and privileges we enjoy from being adopted into God’s family.

1. We are able to talk to God and relate to him as a good and loving Father. 

We may take this for granted, but our Heavenly Father loves us deeply.

• “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God” 1 John 3:1.

We can relate to him as a good and loving Father as a result. He understands us and has compassion on us as his children.

• “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him” Psalm 103:13.

As his children, He promises to take care of our needs.”For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” – Matthew 6:32. He forgives our sins.

• “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name” – 1 John 2:12.
• He gives us many good gifts, especially the Spirit. ” If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13.
• As a loving Father he promises us a great inheritance. “So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God” – Galatians 4:7.

Many of the benefits of that inheritance await us in the future. This inheritance includes the new heaven and earth, our glorified resurrected bodies, and residence in his coming kingdom.

• “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

2. We are led by the Holy Spirit.

Because of the saving work of Christ, we enjoy the new life of the Spirit.

• “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:14-17.

As his children, the Spirit of God testifies to our spirit that we are his children in a very unique way.

3. God disciplines us as his children.

The trials and tests we face in this life prove our sonship. It also requires us to respond with perseverance. ” And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

• “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” – Hebrews 12:5-6.

4. We relate to other believers as members of one family. 

The church is a family. We relate to other followers of Christ as family members.

• “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” – 1 Timothy 5:1-2.

5. We imitate and honor our Father in heaven. 

We are to imitate God’s holiness in our conduct.

• “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” – Ephesians 5:1. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16.
• “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” – Philippians 2:14-15.

(based on the book “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem.)