Hallelujah Bread #14 (A)

Who Are the Children of God? (535 W)

We were not born "God's Children" though this is a widely held belief. The first verses in John's Gospel point to the ability to BECOME a child of God. This transformative state is confined to those "who believe on his (Jesus') name.” The text follows:

John 1:11 “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power (gk. exousia/right or authority) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

In John’s first chapter, we find that those who receive him (Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah) are entitled to be called God’s children. Conversely, those who do not receive him are of another category “sons of Adam” or natural humans. These remain under the authority and control of Satan.

Later in John’s gospel we learn that it is “the Father” who determines those who will come to believe. This is a very important proof text as it points to the Eternal Father as the “author and finisher” of our faith and belief. Jesus affirms this truth in the following:

John 6:37; All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. Later in John 17 v 6 we see this stated again. “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gave me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gave them me; and they have kept thy word.”

The notion that all human beings are the "Children of God" is a widely held belief. It is an "ecumenical" and inclusive viewpoint; thus no religion or denomination is excluded from being among "God's children." This is the theology of Universalism. This is also the message declared by the now pope, Pope Francis 1. Scripture however, brings to us another, more correct viewpoint.

It is a comforting notion that humanity is essentially good and that a wise, all-compassionate God would allow that one's best efforts will grant them a heavenly reward based on positive motivation and actions. It is a belief that seems most fair and reasonable to most minds. The view that all are children of God will usually also affirm that "all paths lead to God." The religions of the East and New Age followers seek the god-self within. These believe that God indwells every human soul.

We must turn to Jesus' words to be reconciled to the reality. There is a broad path that leads to destruction, by which many go. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. (Matthew 7:13)

This “narrow path” was declared by Jesus of Nazareth himself. He is the one access point, the door. He said, "No one comes to the 'Father' but through me." (John 14.6) This has always been the doctrine and pathway that brings offense and causes many to stumble.



dated 03-08-2021