Children of God: Transformed by Adoption John 1:12-13
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the profound truth of our identity as children of God, transformed by the miracle of spiritual adoption. Our focus Scripture is found in John 1:12-13:
"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." (John 1:12-13, NLT)
Point 1: The Privilege of Spiritual Adoption
The opening verse reveals the incredible privilege bestowed upon those who believe in Jesus Christ. Through faith and acceptance of Him, believers are granted the remarkable right to become children of God. This adoption is not merely a legal status but a profound spiritual reality. As Paul affirms in Galatians 4:4-5:
"But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children." (Galatians 4:4-5, NLT)
In these verses, the apostle Paul highlights the divine timing of Jesus' arrival on earth. God orchestrated the perfect moment for Jesus to be born, entering into humanity through a miraculous birth by the Virgin Mary. Jesus, though fully God, subjected Himself to the constraints of human existence, living under the Law, to fulfill His redemptive purpose. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus purchased our freedom from the bondage of sin and the law. By His sacrifice, God not only secured our liberation but also paved the way for our adoption as His children. Through faith in Christ, we are no longer slaves but heirs—welcomed into God's family as His beloved sons and daughters.
This adoption is rooted in God's boundless love and grace, through which we are welcomed into His family as His beloved sons and daughters.
Point 2: The Transformation of Spiritual Rebirth
The transformation of becoming children of God involves a spiritual rebirth—a profound regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Jesus explained to Nicodemus the necessity of this rebirth in John 3:5-6:
"Jesus replied, 'I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.'" (John 3:5-6, NLT)
In this passage, Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entering the Kingdom of God. The phrase "born of water and the Spirit" symbolizes the dual aspect of this rebirth—water signifying the cleansing and renewal brought about by the Holy Spirit. This spiritual birth is not achieved through human effort or lineage but is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit within believers. Through spiritual birth, individuals are transformed from merely human existence to new life in the Spirit. This spiritual birth is essential for true entrance into God's Kingdom and represents a radical change in one's nature and identity.
Through the work of the Spirit, believers are born anew, no longer defined by human lineage or fleshly desires but by the divine life imparted by God Himself. This transformation marks a new beginning—a life empowered and guided by the Spirit.
Point 3: Living Out Our Identity as Children of God
As children of God, our lives are to reflect the character and nature of our heavenly Father. The apostle John expounds on this truth in 1 John 3:1-2:
"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." (1 John 3:1-2, NLT)
John, in his first epistle, marvels at the profound love of God demonstrated in our adoption as His children. This adoption is not merely a legal status but a deeply personal relationship with the Father. As children of God, we are part of His family, recipients of His love and care. However, the world may not recognize or understand this identity because they do not know the Father. John encourages believers to embrace their identity fully, anticipating the future transformation that will occur when Christ returns. Our destiny is to be like Christ, and this hope shapes our present lives as we strive to reflect His character and live in anticipation of His return.
Our identity as children of God calls us to live in alignment with His truth, love, and righteousness. Through our transformed lives, we bear witness to the world of God's redemptive power and grace.
Application and Call to Action:
These passages reveal the depth of God's love and grace in adopting us as His children through Jesus Christ. They highlight the necessity of spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirit and emphasize our identity and future hope as God's beloved sons and daughters. May we continually rejoice in our adoption and live as children of God, bearing witness to His love and truth in the world.
Beloved brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the truth of our adoption into God's family, let us:
Embrace our identity as children of God with deep gratitude and humility.
Allow the Holy Spirit to continually transform us from within, shaping us into Christlikeness.
Live out our identity boldly, demonstrating God's love and truth in our spheres of influence.
May we walk in the fullness of our spiritual birthright as children of God, radiating His light and love in a world longing for hope and redemption.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truth of our adoption as Your children through faith in Christ. Empower us by Your Spirit to live out this identity daily, reflecting Your love and grace to a broken world. In Jesus' name, amen.
