Every baby born into the world physically, is born into a family of some kind. When children are conceived and born, they inherently bear the DNA of the parents involved. When we talk about being children of God we recognise that humanity’s origin is in God, as creator of the universe, and as part of the oneness with the son and spirit. Genesis 1:26 states: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and the mandate given (italics added) to have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”(NKJV). When we look at the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:23- 38), it starts with Jesus being the son of Joseph (verse 23), then going back to creation in verse 38 “the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God”. Adam being called the ‘son of God’ (contrary to the creeds of some denominations, Jesus is NOT the ONLY son of God, though may be termed the only begotten son). We began in the agape of the Father, the amazing love of the Father. We are identified by His name, His manifest likeness is mirrored in us. His DNA flows through us. John reported that sameness- in Him- in John 14:20; “I am in the Father and you are in me, and I am in you”.
Humanity is fully included and located in him, in his Son Jesus Christ; we are his body.
This means that whatever Jesus is, as the son, we are (1 John 3:1-3 The Mirror). Humanity is chosen in Christ. But humanity has lost their identity in Christ, in their own mind, by alienating themselves from God (Col 1:21). Therefore, Paul urges humanity in Romans: “Do not be conformed to the world, do not be influenced by religious traditions or what the world around you is teaching you, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2a NKJV). “Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:2).
In the days of the scriptures: infants, though born of the family, were not automatically given the title of ‘sons’, but were given an education that would encourage them to rise to positions of authority. Still, it was only when they were officially adopted that their position as ‘sons’ was legally confirmed. At a time appointed by the father. This time was often at about 30 years of age, though recognised as (trainee) adults at 12 or 13 years old. (Note: Jesus commenced His ministry at age 30 after His baptism when God says, “This is my beloved son”). (See a fuller explanation in the nugget on Adoption.)
We are included in Christ; in his death, resurrection and ascension (Eph 2:4-6), our joint inclusion in Christ is by God’s doing (1 Cor 1:30). Therefore, we have instantly become mature sons, and are now no longer children (little children), tossed to and fro (Eph 4:14). Our joint position in Christ defines us; this can never again be thought to be a distant goal to reach through religious devotion or striving, but You-manity’s permanently eternal location (Col 3:1-3).
