Children of God

‭‭1John‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭- 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.

This is a good thing and a sad thing. I read this just after I had recalled a comment someone pasted on Facebook. The comment was something like this: You can pray all you want for someone but it’s still up to them to make the decision (for Christ).

When we have received Christ then we become children of God. We are enemies of God until then. Yes, that’s true! 

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans‬ ‭5:10‬)

 ...Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James‬ ‭4:4‬)

A friend of the world discounts the things of God. If we are in Christ, those who are not do not understand what we know. Hearts are not in tune. 

This is hard sometimes. Can we truly wrap our heads around this concept of being in Christ and being a child, no longer an enemy, of God the Father?! 

Picture the rejection Jesus went through because people didn’t agree with the hard things He had to say or rejected Him because He required submission and humility. He went on to die, without a word to defend Himself, for those who hated Him and all others who would believe in Him, trust in Him and call on Him. Believe here is not just knowing who He is. It’s a deep, heartfelt belief. You will know the difference when (if) it happens. Good things await those who choose Christ. Don’t count on your good works or kindness or giving attitude. Those are good, but it’s through Christ alone we receive our eternal life. 

But the good news is, Jesus waits and longs for all to believe. It's a matter of the heart. Hardened hearts can become softened. Jesus waits. Jesus calls. 

John‬ ‭1:12‬ - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name...

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