War Over Your Identity In Christ

De: Don Pirozok

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Christian Identity is Rooted in Sonship
One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that believers are not only saved from sin, but they are also adopted as children of God. This divine sonship is at the very heart of Christian identity. Many people think of Christianity merely in terms of religious beliefs, moral teachings, or a system of rules. However, the gospel reveals something far greater: those who put their faith in Jesus Christ become sons and daughters of God, receiving an identity that is rooted in sonship, inheritance, and divine relationship.
The apostle John highlights this remarkable truth in John 1:12, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This means that being a child of God is not something inherited by birth, nor is it achieved through human effort. It is a gift from God, granted to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Sonship is not something earned—it is something received. This immediately differentiates Christianity from every other belief system. While many religions focus on people trying to reach God, Christianity is about God adopting those who trust in Him and making them part of His family.
Adoption into God's Family The Bible speaks of adoption as the means by which believers become part of God's household. Romans 8:15-17 explains this beautifully:
“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.”
This passage reveals several key aspects of Christian sonship:

1. It is not based on fear, but on love – Believers are not servants who fear their master; they are children who call out to their Father.
2. It is a work of the Holy Spirit – The Spirit of God confirms to believers that they are truly His children.
3. It includes inheritance – As sons and daughters of God, believers are heirs of all that belongs to Christ.
4. It involves suffering with Christ – True sonship is not just about privileges but also about sharing in Christ’s suffering.

Sonship Through the Holy Spirit A believer’s identity as a child of God is made real through the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, it would be impossible to truly understand or live out this identity. Galatians 4:6-7 states,
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ SoSo, you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
This passage reaffirms the truth that believers are no longer slaves but sons. Slavery represents a relationship based on fear, obligation, and legal requirements. Sonship, however, is about intimacy, love, and belonging. The phrase “Abba! Father!” is deeply personal. “Abba” is an Aramaic term that translates to "Daddy" or "Papa," signifying a close and intimate relationship with God. This level of intimacy was something unheard of in the Old Testament. While God was certainly seen as a Father to Israel, individual believers did not have the personal father-child relationship that is now possible through Christ.