CHILDREN OF GOD

by Kevin Rutherford

Jesus told us we must be born again (John 3:3). We must be born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5). When Jesus made this statement He was referring to the new birth that occurs when one is immersed in water in obedience to the commands given by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:22, 23; Acts

2:38).

Those who are born again begin a life of righteous service to God. These righteous servants of God are referred to as the children of God (1 John 2:29). Concerning the privilege of being called children of God John wrote, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God… (1 John 3:1)!”

Our Heavenly Father is one who loves His children (1 John 4:16). One trait that all loving Fathers have is a willingness to discipline their children when necessary. Our Father will chasten, rebuke, and scourge us from time to time

(Hebrews 12:3-11). God will chasten those whom He loves in order to help us yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). We need to make every effort to be obedient children of God (1 Peter 1:14). Obedient children

have no need of chastening. However, when we receive the chastening we ought to be thankful for it.

Be a faithful child of God!