A New Family: Becoming Children of God

Introduction

“The moment you accept Jesus Christ as Lord, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says ‘All Things become new.’” Throughout Scripture, we find 30 distinct transformations that occur at the moment of salvation. This document explores the ninth of these transformations: becoming part of a new family.

The Universal Family of God

One of the greatest gifts of salvation is becoming part of God’s family. While our natural families can be wonderful (though sadly, some experience broken or absent family relationships), the family of God transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.

This spiritual family creates instant connection between believers worldwide. Whether in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Israel, India, Brazil, or anywhere else, followers of Christ experience immediate spiritual kinship. As Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, believers carry “the aroma of Christ,” which is recognized by fellow believers but may repel those who reject God.

Becoming Children of God

John 1:12-13

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

This passage clarifies several important truths about God’s family:

1. Not everyone is automatically a child of God
2. Only those who receive Christ and believe in His name are given the right to become God’s children
3. This spiritual birth is not through natural means (“not of blood”)
4. It is not through human determination (“nor of the will of the flesh”)
5. It is not through another person’s decision (“nor of the will of man”)
6. It is accomplished solely by God

The word translated as “right” is the Greek word “exousia,” which also means authority or privilege. Through faith in Christ, we receive the authority and privilege to be called children of God.

God’s Eternal Plan for Adoption

Ephesians 1:5-6

“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”

Our adoption into God’s family was not an afterthought or contingency plan—it was God’s intention from before the foundation of the world. This divine adoption plan:

1. Was predestined (predetermined as part of God’s eternal purpose)
2. Is accomplished through Jesus Christ
3. Flows from God’s kindness and good pleasure
4. Results in praise to His glorious grace
5. Is freely given to those who are “in the Beloved” (Christ)

God as Father

Jesus consistently referred to God as “Father”—a revolutionary concept that opened a new level of intimacy with God. While the Old Testament occasionally used father imagery for God, Jesus made it central to understanding our relationship with Him.

1 John 3:1

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

This verse emphasizes the astonishing love that motivated God to make us His children. The same divine love that sent Jesus to die for us (John 3:16) is the love that welcomes us into His family.

The Spirit’s Role in Our Adoption

Romans 8:14-17

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

This passage reveals several aspects of our spiritual adoption:

1. The Spirit’s leadership: Those led by the Spirit are sons of God
2. The Spirit of adoption: We receive not fear but the intimate relationship of adoption
3. Intimate access to God: We can cry “Abba, Father” (similar to “Daddy” or “Papa”)—a term of endearment and closeness
4. The Spirit’s testimony: The Holy Spirit confirms in our hearts that we truly are God’s children
5. Spiritual inheritance: As children, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ
6. Shared suffering and glory: Our inheritance includes both suffering with Christ and being glorified with Him

The term “Abba” represents a level of intimacy beyond the formal “Father.” It is comparable to terms like “Daddy” or “Papa”—expressions of deep affection and trust rather than mere formal acknowledgment.

The Family Responsibilities

Being part of God’s family comes with responsibilities toward our spiritual siblings. Scripture lists approximately thirty “one another” commands that guide our family interactions, including:

• Love one another
• Greet one another with affection
• Encourage one another
• Support one another
• Forgive one another

These commands reflect the reality that while the family of God is perfect in its divine origin, its human members are still being sanctified. Like any family, there can be struggles and conflicts, but these are to be resolved through love, forgiveness, and mutual support.

Our Spiritual Inheritance

As members of God’s family, we receive a spiritual inheritance:

1. Joint heirs with Christ: Everything that belongs to Jesus also belongs to us
2. God’s provision: “Everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3)
3. Future glory: We will share in Christ’s glory when His kingdom is fully established

This inheritance comes with the reality of suffering in this present world. As Paul notes in Romans 8:17, we are “fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Jesus warned that His followers would face persecution, and Paul’s own life exemplified suffering for Christ’s sake.

Unity in God’s Household

Ephesians 2:18-19

“For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.”

This passage highlights how Christ has broken down the barriers that once divided humanity:

1. United access to God: Both Jews and Gentiles now have the same access to the Father through the same Spirit
2. No longer outsiders: Those once considered strangers and aliens are now fellow citizens
3. God’s household: All believers are members of God’s own family

In Christ, all divisions—ethnic, social, or gender-based—are overcome. As Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Everything that separates is destroyed as all are brought together under Christ.

Conclusion

Becoming part of God’s family is one of the most profound transformations when we accept Christ. This new family transcends all human boundaries and offers a deep connection with fellow believers worldwide. Through the Spirit of adoption, we can approach God with the intimacy of beloved children, calling Him “Abba, Father.” Along with this privilege comes inheritance and responsibility—we are heirs with Christ of all God’s promises, and we are called to love and serve our spiritual siblings worldwide.