EPC Australia

The Jews were so by nation. All men are so by Creation and Providence. Christians are so by special grace, according to the language of Inspiration: "Ye are all the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus." "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." Let us make this relation a standard, by which to estimate four things.

First, the Divine goodness. Here we only follow the example of the apostle John. He, even he, could not comprehend it, but he admires it, and calls upon others to admire it with him: "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God!" What manner of love — how rich, how free, how expensive! What difficulties stood in the way! Yet he removed them. How, said He, shall I put thee among the children? But he did it. He not only spared and pardoned us; he not only admitted us into his family as servants, but as sons; and, for this purpose, he gave his own Son for us, and his Spirit to us. "When the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God, through Christ."

Secondly, the believer's dignity. Secular nobility derives all its lustre from flesh and blood, and if retraced, will be found to originate in the dust of the ground, from which Adam was taken. It has little value, unless in the fancies of men. But our relation to God confers real and durable honour; compared with which, the most magnificent titles in the world are mere shadows and smoke. How did the Jews boast of having Abraham to their father! "Is it a light thing," said David, a subject, "that I should be son-in-law to the king?" But I think of the majesty and dominion of God. The world is his, and the fulness thereof. I behold the productions of the earth, and the wonders of the skies, and say,

"My Father made them all!"

Thirdly, the happiness of the Christian. The relation has connected with it the promise of pardon; and we daily need it, for in many things we offend all. But I will spare him, says God, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. It gives us free access to God in prayer, and inspires us with confidence and hope of success . "If ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Hence correction: "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hence education: he does not leave the child to himself; but trains him up in the way he should go. Hence provision: He who feeds the ravens, will not suffer the righteous to famish. Their Heavenly Father knoweth what things they have need of before they ask him, and will suffer them to want no good thing. And "if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ." Many are born to an estate which they never obtain; but here the inheritance is reserved in heaven, and they are "kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation," on earth.

Fourthly, the duty of the Saints. Are they all the children of the Lord their God? Then they ought to fear him. If I am a father, where is my fear? This will keep them from offending him. This will make them studious to please him. This will induce them to pray, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

As his children, they must walk worthy of God, who hath called them unto his kingdom and glory. We have read of a Polish Prince, who carried the picture of his father always in his bosom, and on any particular occasion, he would take it out, and view it, and say, Let me do nothing unbecoming so excellent a father. Christians, do nothing unbecoming the rank of your family, and the grandeur of your descent. "Be harmless and blameless, the sons of God, without rebuke." "Be followers of God, as dear children." "Be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect."

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay