S c r iptu r es teach us some very won derful things in relation to our being the sons of God by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. First of all, we are sons of God through the new birth. Then, we are the sons of God through adoption. Because of these two posi tions it is the desire of our heavenly Father that we become His sons in daily experience. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (I John 3:1). Here the apostle seems over whelmed by the fact that he enjoys this relationship. The expression, “What manner of love” is very inter esting to me. It indicates love that is really “out of this world.” This love has been brought down to man by the Lord Jesus Christ. John explains this when he says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Most religions are indifferent to man and to his personal needs. But the great truth of the Christian message is that God takes those who are lost and spir itual outcasts and makes them His own children by adoption. We become chil dren through the new birth. As Jesus said, “Except a man be bom again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is bom of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, Ye must be born again” (John 3:6, 7). The second thought goes beyond our status as sons of God through the new birth and considers our relationship as adopted heirs. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth wit ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:15, 16). Here the law is satisfied. We were sin ners and have been condemned. We (co n tin u ed on n e x t page)
TORREY CONFERENCE MESSAGE
by Dr. Ralph Keiper I Evangelical Foundation, Philadelphia
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