In our original condition, we were slaves of sin and enemies of God, and all of this because we were children of the devil.
However, all that has gloriously changed through the working of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Now we are redeemed, reconciled, and adopted. Because of God’s undeserved and sovereign grace, we are no longer slaves of sin but righteous saints. We are no longer enemies of God but best of friends. Today, we are no longer abused children of the devil, but beloved sons of God.
Before the beginning, the Heavenly Father and Heavenly Son enjoyed perfect communion. Every day they glorified and enjoyed one another.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2)
In the beginning, the Heavenly Father and Heavenly Son created the heavens, the earth, and all found within the universe. Why did they do so? It was because they desired to have men and women, created in their image, glorifying and enjoying the Godhead. It was the will of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to birth a family and watch it expand across the globe.
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)
However, sadly and tragically, Adam and Eve allied themselves with the devil. They chose sides, and they chose wrongly. The consequences of their rebellion were death and darkness. Yet, despite their debased decision, the Trinity was not satisfied to leave all sinners in their dead and dark condition. Jesus, who was their only possible Life and Light, willfully volunteered to come into the world and save slaves of sin, enemies of God, those who were children of the devil.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:2-3)
When the time was right, John the Baptist came announcing the presence of the Life, the Light, the Sacrificial Lamb of God. Yes, the Son was at hand, and very soon Jesus began to reveal his message of life and light to those within his Jewish family.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world … (John 1:4-10a)
However, even though Jesus had created the world, entered the world, and was ready to bless slaves of sin, enemies of God, those who were children of the devil, he found his own Hebrew friends were not so interested in what he had to offer. They did not receive him. They proved to hardened rebels who were “children of their father the devil.”*
… The world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. (John 1:10a-11)
But not all was lost, for not everyone remained lost. While most within his culture rejected him, certain Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles received and believed in him. Some repented and followed him. Some wanted “his name” to be their name. Some wanted his ways to be their ways. Some accepted his free gift. They were given life and light.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name …. (John 1:12a)
And in addition to life and light, what else did these believers receive?
… He gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12b)
Again, no longer were they slaves of sin, enemies of God, and children of the devil. As the Son was related to the Father, so now — in Christ — they too were related to the Father. They were again part of the holy household whose calling was to glorify and enjoy God. They were snatched from Satan’s abusive grasp and eternally adopted into the Father’s family.**
And what made these individuals choose God when so many others would not believe and receive the Life and Light who had come into the world? Some may want to comment on their parents or pastors. Others may want to give these believers more credit for their keen intellect. Still others may want to talk about their tenderness of heart and eagerness to repent. However, God knows this was not the case. God knows no man can understand and believe apart from his sovereign work of spiritual resuscitation. No, these adopted children were …
… Born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:13)
They were reborn of God, and that is why they repented and had faith.
Therefore brothers of Jesus and sons of God, as adopted children in the household of faith, how ought we live today?
Let us be grateful. Look at what we deserved. Now look at what we have been given. Go to the Father right now and have a conversation. — Talk to God in prayer.
Let us be humble. Look afresh at sovereign grace and marvel at the Spirit’s work in our heads and hearts. — Don’t you dare be an arrogant Calvinist.
Let us be confident. Jesus earned our robe of righteousness. He received our just reward of hellish condemnation. Our Father will never hate us for he sees us in his Son. There are times in which we can show incredible pomp, ceremony, and reverence. However, as his sons and daughters, there are also times when we can walk into his bedroom in our pajamas and leap up his bed with glee. He is our Father, and we are his children. — Do not listen to the lie of Satan or those preaching his legalistic religion.
Let us be diligent. In our adoption process and papers, we have received a new name. Let us not sully it but walk in dignity. Let us honor our Father and Brother by walking in accordance with their character. They are holy. This is a holy household. We are called to be priests. Let’s mature in the manners of the royal court. Let’s enjoy and glorify the Greatest Lover imaginable. — Do not pretend your Father does not have a will in regards to your progressive sanctification. Do not think that the consequences of sin are all null and void.
Let us be encouraging. In the Father’s family, there are many brothers and sisters. Let us show love to everyone we come across today, but especially those in the household of faith.*** — Do not miss the family gathering and the family meal.
Let us be evangelistic. The Spirit has not yet finished his work, and there are more brothers and sisters to find. Let us think of our neighbors like brothers and sisters still back home under the abuse of the devil. Let us pray for them. Let us work for them. Let us call out to them. There are still bedrooms available in the Father’s house, and their names are written on the door. Let us be heralds of the Gospel and see who the next ones will be who are “born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” — Do not allow your understanding of divine sovereignty to be used as an excuse for your failure to proclaim the Good News and call abused men and women to come to the Life and Light.
- John 8:44-45 “Children of your father the devil.
- 1 John 3:1 “See what love the Father has given to us.”
- Galatians 6:10 “Do good, especially those of the household of faith.”
Unfathomable Grace 