See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are!
(1 John 3:1)
The second purpose for our lives, which God planned before we were born, is to be part of His family. The Bible says, "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure" (Ephesians 1:5). Because God identifies Himself in family terms (Father,Son, and Spirit), He always existed in a loving relationship with Himself. He didn't need a family, but he desired to create us for this purpose (James 1:18).
Every human being was created by God, but not everyone is a child of God. The only way we can become a child of God is to be born again. God "has given us the privilege of being born again, so that we are now members of God's own family" (1 Peter 1: 3b). Of course, the way we become a part of God's family is by having faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26).
Our second family, or spiritual family, is our eternal family, and therefore, our brothers and sisters in Christ will be with us even after our time on this earth. In this way, these relationships are even stronger and more permanent than our blood relationships. As Paul said, "When I think of the wisdom and scope of His plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God – some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth"(Ephesians 3:14 – 15).
Benefits of Being in God's Family
The Bible says, "Since you are His child, everything He has belongs to you" (Galatians 4:7b). This is our inheritance. First, we will get to be with God forever; second, we will change to be like Christ; third, there will be no more pain, death and suffering; fourth, we will be rewarded and reassigned positions of service; and fifth, we will share in Christ's glory (1 Peter 1:4). This inheritance cannot be taken away from us, it is ours completely in wholly. We now have something to look forward to here on earth; something for which to work (Colossians 3:23 – 24a).
Baptism: Identifying with God's Family
Baptism is important as it is a symbol of our second purpose for our lives. It shows that we are participating in the Fellowship of God's family. It shows our faith, shares Christ's burial and resurrection, and celebrates with others, our inclusion in God's family (1 Corinthians 12:13). This is very important to realize: baptism does not make you a member of God's family. For that you need to have faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is a public profession of that faith.
Life's Greatest Privilege
"[Jesus] pointed to His disciples and said,' These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!'" (Matthew 12:49 – 50). We are included in God's family, and this is the highest honor that we will ever receive.
Point to Ponder:
I was formed for God's family.
Verse two Remember:
"His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:5a).
Question to Consider:
How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?
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