What does it mean to be a part of the family of God?

Answer

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ and the Father are One (John 1:1-4), and that He is also the only begotten Son of God (Hebrews 1:1-4). This familial term indicates God regards Jesus as a family member. Born-again believers are told that we, too, are members of this family (Romans 9:8;1 John 3:1-2). How do we become a part of this family of God? When we hear the gospel, confess our sins, and place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we are at that moment born into God’s kingdom as His children and become heirs with Him for eternity (Romans 8:14-17).

While Jesus Christ is referred to as the only begotten Son of God, believers are referred to as children born into God’s family who need to grow and mature in our faith (Ephesians 4:11-16), and as sons and heirs adopted into His family (Galatians 4:4-7). God’s infinite grace and mercy are revealed in Ephesians 1:5-6, which says He redeems sinners, whom He has “adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

As children of God, what do we inherit? Nothing less than the kingdom of God (Matthew 25:34;1 Thessalonians 2:12;Hebrews 12:28)! Ephesians 1:3 tells us that believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. These spiritual blessings are part of our inheritance as children of God.Spiritual blessings are limitless, eternal, and are found in Christ. By God’s grace, we receive these blessings as His children. Earthly children inherit what their parents leave after their passing. However, believers in God are already experiencing the benefits of our inheritance through having peace with Him, achieved by the sacrifice of His Son on the cross. Additional rewards of our inheritance include receiving the Holy Spirit when we believe in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14), empowering us to live for Him presently, and the assurance that our salvation is eternally secure (Hebrews 7:24-25).

Being part of God’s family is the most significant blessing given to believers, one that should humble us. We can never earn it, as it is a gift of His love, mercy, and grace. Yet, we are called to be sons and daughters of the Living God (Romans 9:25-26). Let us all respond in faith to His invitation!