THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:1-5 (NKJV)
One of Satan’s most devious and dangerous doctrines is the “Universal Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man.” At casual glance, it looks good but on more in-depth study we can see the error of it and the danger it projects. God is the Creator of all mankind but He is the Father of only those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. In a general sense, all men are biologically “brothers” but on a spiritual basis such a relationship does not exist (2 Corinthians 6:14).
I. HOW THE “FATHER-SON” RELATIONSHIP IS ESTABLISHED: “For you are all sons (children) of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26 NKJV
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14 (NKJV)
II. HOW WE CAN KNOW THAT THIS RELATIONSHIP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED: A. The Witness of God: God, Himself, affirms it!
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Galatians 4:6 (NKJV) “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:16 (NKJV)
B. Our Witness: 1. By delighting in His company (through prayer, Bible reading and study, meditation). 2. an unquenchable desire to be like Him. 3. By our unceasing desire to live a life pleasing unto Him.
III. THE WEALTH OF THIS FATHER TO CHILD RELATIONSHIP:
“Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:7 (NKJV)
“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.” Romans 8:17 (NKJV)
IV. THE WONDER OF THIS GLORIOUS RELATIONSHIP: “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Ponder the very thought of this!
Reflect on this glorious promise given to us. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:1-2 (NKJV)
