Romans 8:15-17 (NLT) demonstrates how our faith in Christ changes everything for us. We no longer live in fear, but we’re welcomed into a close and loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. Verses 16- 17 of this passage states: “16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory.” It’s important for us to know that as believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are not only called into relationship with God, but we are also granted distinct rights and privileges as members of His Family. John 1:12 adds that through faith in Jesus Christ, we gain the amazing privilege to be called children of God! It's a beautiful transformation—from outsiders to beloved members of God's household, where we can lovingly call Him “Father.”
Freedom through Redemption and ForgivenessMany struggle to accept the profound grace and forgiveness offered through salvation because they feel unworthy or weighed down by past mistakes. It's important to realize that God's love isn't based on our worthiness but on His abundant kindness and grace. Ephesians 1:7 (NLT) assures us: “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” This verse shows that God's love and forgiveness are real and life-changing—not just ideas. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed and completely forgiven. Romans 6:6-7, 18 also emphasizes this, assuring us of the freedom we’ve received in Christ, and declaring that through Jesus, we are freed from the power of sin and given new lives filled with grace and purpose. Regardless of our past, God offers us a fresh start and a future that is marked by His love and mercy.
Access to God’s Presence and GuidanceAs members of God’s family, in Hebrews 4:16 (NLT), God encourages us to approach His throne with confidence and boldness: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”This is a powerful invitation, and it informs us that God’s throne is not a place of fear or uncertainty. It’s a place where we can receive His grace. We can freely come into His presence with reverence and faith, bringing our needs, problems, and struggles to Him, because He is always ready and willing to help us. Our hearts should be overflowing with gratitude that as part of God’s family, we have direct access to Him through prayer and worship. He listens to us, guides us, and comforts us with His loving presence.
Inheriting Eternal LifeJohn 3:16 (NLT) assures us that believing in Jesus Christ grants us the gift of eternal life. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” It’s not just about life after death; it means we’ll have a deep relationship with God in His eternal Kingdom. Our future is secure, filled with hope and joy because we’ll be with Him forever. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT) assures us: “3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” Our inheritance in Christ can never perish, spoil, or fade. This is Good News indeed!
Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT) captures this beautifully: “3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” This passage paints a picture of the future where God will live among His people. It shows that through faith in Christ, we not only get eternal life but also a future in God’s presence, where sadness and suffering will be replaced with never-ending happiness and peace.
Empowered with Spiritual GiftsThe Holy Spirit is a member of the Godhead; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s seed, and when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God sends His Spirit to live within us. As part of God’s family, we are each uniquely blessed by the Holy Spirit with spiritual gifts that are meant to benefit us individually, and others as well. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 states: “4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
These gifts, like teaching, encouraging, or serving, are not just for our own sake but are given to us to strengthen and uplift the body of Christ—God’s entire family. They allow us to share God’s love in practical ways. Whether it's leadership, showing kindness, or giving, God’s Will is that we all work together harmoniously to uplift His Kingdom and further His plan in the earth. 1 Peter 4:10-11 encourages us to use these gifts faithfully, recognizing that they are given by God’s grace to serve others and to bring glory to Him. Each of us contributes uniquely to demonstrate His love in practical and meaningful ways. Together, these scriptures reveal how our spiritual gifts are essential for loving and supporting each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.
These rights and privileges aren’t just blessings; they define our identity and influence our daily lives. They give us confidence to face life’s challenges, and they inspire happiness to spread God’s love to those around us. As we embrace our place and identity in God’s family, let’s walk in freedom, purpose, and determination, living each day with gratitude for all He has given us in this life and the next. ■
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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