Good morning my precious family and friends

Galatians 3 verses 26-29 says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Who are you? It’s a pretty simple question, but can be awfully complicated. “What do you mean, ‘Who are you?’ Do you want to know my name, my ancestry, my entire life story? What do you mean, ‘Who are you?’

Some people answer, “We are God’s children.” The reality is that we are God’s creation. We only become God’s children by trusting in His Son Jesus! No-one is born physically into God’s family.

The Galatians had no problem in answering that question. They said with great pride, “I am a descendant of Abraham.” Being a descendant of Abraham meant that they held superior status, that they were following God’s law properly and were in a good relationship with God and their eternal life was secure.

Being Abraham’s descendent was a big deal... so they thought. But they had it all wrong. Being Abraham’s descendant doesn’t mean that you hold high status. There is only one person that gives status. Being a descendant of Abraham doesn’t mean that you are properly following God’s law. There is only one person who has ever followed God’s law properly and perfectly. Being a descendant of Abraham doesn’t mean that you are in a good relationship with God and that your eternal life is secure. There is only One who can give those things... and it’s definitely not Abraham.

In Galatians chapter 3 Paul contrasted the Old Testament Law with faith. The Law was good and served a purpose, but it could never bring life. Paul reminds the Galatian believers of their new position because of their faith in Christ. They are considered God’s sons and daughters. They are considered Abraham’s spiritual offspring because of their faith. They also are heirs according to God’s promise.

Paul exclaims to the Galatians and us all throughout this letter, it is not Abraham, but Jesus. It is all about Jesus. Because of Jesus, we hold a high status as children of God. Because of Jesus and His completely perfect life, our sin is covered and we are seen as perfect. And because of Jesus, we have a joyful relationship with God as His perfect, forgiven children whose eternal life is certain.

When we respond to God in faith, our location changes from ‘in the world’ to ‘in Christ’. We are clothed with Christ when we are baptised (immersed) into Him. Salvation is not just a matter of pledging allegiance to God. It is taking on the identify of Christ. We are wrapped up in Him, and He is our all.

A significant consequence of this is how it changes my relationship with other people. It is not just me but many others that have been immersed into Christ as well. Together, we are all one in Christ. And the differences that have previously divided us should do so no longer. In Christ there is no male or female; or nationality; or anything else that divides us in the world. We are all one in Him, and should live that way.

John 13 verses 34-35 says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

We are born spiritually into God’s family when we trust in Jesus. (Read John 3:3-8) When we trust our Lord Jesus, we become God’s children but also become joint heirs with Jesus in all that God has to offer. Because of God’s grace, we no longer are dead in our sin and excluded from citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom. Instead we are justified by God and granted citizenship into His eternal kingdom!

How does it make you feel to know that you are a joint-heir with Christ?

Believers are descendants of Abraham because, like Abraham, they are children of God. You are a perfect, forgiven, child of God whose eternal life is certain, all because of Jesus. Now that’s an identity to take pride in.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You that You provided a way for making me Your child and for clothing me in Your righteousness. Thank You for making it possible for me to call You Father and to have our Lord Jesus as my older brother. Thank You, dear Father, for Jesus who rose and is alive, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Much love in Christ from Maurice and Margaret