Now that everything has changed and is new for us (2 Corinthians 5:17) it can be difficult and confusing when it comes to understanding who and what we are to identify with. Now that we are now sons and daughters what does that look like on a day to day basis? How does that realistically work itself out in our lives?
The lie of a works-based religion
God Himself chose us, called us, and saved us through His unconditional loving nature by sending His Son Jesus to come to earth, live a sinless life which He sacrificed and gave in exchange for ours. The work of salvation, the complete process of maturity in our lives and the hope for our future home in heaven where we will be with Him forever all began with, is sustained by, and is completed, in Him (Philippians 1:6).
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Redefining who we are
We are not to defined by our past, our present circumstance of life, or how others may see us. God chose us to be His own and placed great value on us by giving His Only Son so that we could be reconciled and adopted into His family. As a result, we are now called His sons and daughters and we are part of the family of God.
We are identified as sons and daughters
Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "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 joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
2Corinthians 6:18And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty."
John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
God chose us and adopted us into His family
We are not alone. We were chosen and adopted by God as His own, without fault and part of God’s loving family.
Ephesians 1:4-5 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."
Ephesians 3:14-15 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
