Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God?  Therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 1:1-3.

The word ‘children or sons of God’ though is a title name, yet a worthy and noble one indeed (James 2:7) by considering the dignity, glory, power and authority of the name which should be steadfastly and uprightly defended and represented on earth in them that are so called and chosen to be adoptive children unto God through their union with Christ Jesus according to the good pleasure of God’s will. Ephesians 1:5.  

Without the Son of God -Christ Jesus in your life as Lord and Savior, you don’t have God as your Father (in this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we live through him. 1 John 4:9): for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Tim.2:5-6.

You have read that which was written: for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29. You have also read that we came into or were born into this world as sinners, dead in sins and trespasses under divine condemnation – children of wrath even as others. Ephesians 2:1-3.

Jew of Greek, male or female, bond or free, white or black, the name ‘children of God’ is a relatiosnhip and positional name given to those who are translated from the kingdom and power of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son: (b) given to those who are born again – born of the spirit of God – born from above – born of the incorruptible seed of God’s word received by the gospel preached, heard and believed: as it is written, but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13.

‘Born of the spirit of God’ is a spiritual or biblical term revealing the procedure, method or mechanism and operation by which God gave birth through Christ to a new man out of the old man who were once spiritually dead, but is now spiritually quickened or made alive unto him in Christ Jesus, – showing what they are called to live for, meaning, living a fruitful spiritual life in union and fellowship with God through faith in Christ Jesus. John 15:4: (b) to be led, not by the flesh, nor the world, nor by their deceitful heart, but by the spirit of God, and to seek after knowing and doing the will of God on earth. Rom 8:14. Eph.5:17: (c) laying hold or pursuing after eternal life as it is it written, God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16.

The title name – children of God is given to distinguish or to differentiate unconverted sinners from those who are now converted and called out of the world to be saints (Rom. 1:7), or better say, to live as becomes a saints (as those who are washed, cleansed, sanctified and justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the spirit of God from all ungodliness and worldly lusts through the grace of God. 1 Cor.6:11. Titus 2:11-14. Eph.5:3), as true and sincere followers of God, by showing through example of who and what God is in the world – shining as light in the world, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by renouncing hidden things of dishonesty, and having nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness as children of the light, and the children of the day; we are not of night, nor of darkness. 1 Thess.5:5.

Unlike the ignorance and delusional belief of the Pharisees of old which said to Christ that they are God’s and Abraham’s children, but to whom the Lord declared they were not, we must dutifully and faithfully accepts the responsibilities that comes with the honor of the name (which can be stripped away from anyone not walking and living according to the honor and glory of it) before we can have access to the eternal inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven – and they shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not. Malachi 3:17-18.  

If you are a child of God, Christ says you are the salt of the earth. But, of what usefulness is a tasteless salt, he asked? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men, says the Lord. And, though we answer to this name, we must live for the glory and honor of it – hallow be thy name, not only with the mouth, but in our conversation which should be in conformity to the gospel of Christ and to the entirety of God’s word. The worthy name should not be blasphemed by any contrary – negative lifestyle or conduct in the world, lest the light becomes darkness, but to remain as the city set on an hill, which cannot be hid. Note: beware of men! Beware of dogs, and beware of the sons and daughters of Belial -Satan in the church: none should be a child of God by the title without the correspondence actions, words, and lifestyle. All are not children of God who are parading, showing or declaring themselves so to be, except they abide by the immutable word (he that is of God hears God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47), speak and do as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (James 2:12) through their reverence – obedience to God’s word: as it not written, by this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1 John 5:2.

Just the title of answering to the name of a child or man of God does not guarantee the future reward in the final glorification with Christ in heaven if we are not walking worthy of the heavenly vocation,- to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, – serving God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, – in conscious and laborious engagement of occupation with God who is at work in us, both to will and do according to his will until we enter into that final rest – for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Its present nature – its duty

2 Corinthians 5, verses 15-17 it reads….and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh (concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:3-4), yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.

The bodily presence of Christ on earth, though, born of the virgin Mary, but by the ‘holy seed’ or holy thing of God’ as it was so called (Luke 1:35) was the divine – incorruptible nature of God, and not of the fallen-sinful nature of first Adam, but of God himself, who was manifested in the flesh, – God was in Christ Jesus to reconcile the world unto himself, not imputing their sins unto them.

Adam lost his spirituality which was the divine nature of God by hardness of sin, its pleasure and its deceitfulness. This new life brought to us by Christ which was purchased or bought for us or made available by his blood is a pure and divine life because of its origin – eternality, its method, its operations and functionalities (a) being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which lives and abides forever.

Thus, we see that the nature of our new birth as children of God reveals divine purposes, intents and expectations of God who has called us to virtue and glory to live in the spirit because we are born of the spirit, – and to sow to the spirit, though we are in the flesh, but not of the flesh anymore (be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-8): that by these, we might be partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lusts. 2 Peter 1:3-4. Note: to every seed his own body. What you do now with the divine nature – the seed of God in you determines the outcome and fruit you should expect to harvest after death – awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Cor.15:34.

As a child of God, there is an ‘incorruptible seed’ of God in you (whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. 1 John 3:9-10), but the fruitfulness, the growth, the prosperity and effectiveness of the ‘seed of God’ depends daily and continually on the state of a believer’s heart which must be kept with all diligence, to guard the heart in the way, from the beginning of his walk unto the end of his sojourn on earth, lest it be a – void or empty heart (Matthew 13:4), or a hardened or self-willed heart (Matthew 13:5-6), or a lustful and insatiable heart (Matthew 13:7), but a good and honest heart, patiently bearing fruits unto eternal life. Matthew 13:8.  

The bible calls the seed as ‘incorruptible seed’ of the word of God, meaning that if the seed is planted in a good and honest soil of the heart, and the recipient or the beneficiary is determined to walk and be built up in Christ, he – Christ shall be formed in him, and the fruits of righteousness which are by him shall manifest and be seen as the testimony of Christ in such who is willingly yielding himself as instrument of righteousness unto holiness, been renewed in the spirit of his mind as he who was made alive from the state of spiritual death into a new life of divine nature, speaking incorruptible word, not corrupt communication from his mouth, – living in all godliness, righteousness and in true holiness.

As children of God, it is our primary responsibility to labor, strive and resist against sin and the devil – the tempter. Hebrews 12:4. The flesh must be overcome, and the body of sin be put under subjection as we should be led by the spirit through conscious application of the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which has set us free from the law of sin and death. Rom.8:2.

How can you say or claim to be saved (a) if you are not delivered from self by fulfilling the sinful desire of the mind and of the flesh, for those that belongs to Christ have crucified the flesh with its lusts and affection – this should be your conscious pursuit and goal in conformity to his death on earth. Galatians 5:24: (b) if you are not coming out of this present evil world by separation from unequally yoked from its lifestyles and unlawful associations with the ungodly you are supposed not to mingle with? 1 Corinthians 5:8-13: (c) if you are not humbled under the rod of chastening for correction and redress for gradual transformation in the continual growing unto Christ: for whom the Lord loves he chastises and corrects every son he receives; but if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:6-8: (d) if you are not bringing forth fruit unto God –every branch that bears not fruit he cut away. John 15:2.

We are called to spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood, but to war the good spiritual warfare of faith as children who are expected to be strong in their God and in the power of his might. The present salvation is spiritual and is in the future for eternity: for we are saved by hope: for what a man sees, why doth he yet hope for?But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:24-25.

The duty or the responsibility of the new life is spiritual – and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Colossians 3:23-25.

Individual’s judgment after death before God shall be on the account of how they once lived and walked in the spirit while they are on earth – for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 1 Peter 4:6.

Final Glorification – future reward

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,  just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3.

Beloved, now you are a child of God, but what will God confirm you to be at that time, even at his appearing and kingdom? Should it be as one of the workers of iniquity, who is presently causing offenses in his kingdom? For the Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13: 41-43.

What shall be your lot at the future time in question,- the time of final adoption for the confirmation and manifestations of the sons of God, to wit, the redemption of our body? For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves. Shall you be seen as one of the sinner of his people (all the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, the evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. Amos 9:10), a sinner in Zion who has for a long while been living with the mind-set that you cannot live to overcome the flesh, sin, the world and Satan in this present time? This is the implication of the cross, – knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that hence forth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:6. Isaiah 33:14-16.

Either in pretence or in truth, beloved, now are you a child of God (Philippians 1:6): but, on that day, when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to the gospel which was delivered unto you (Romans: 2:16), by which you believed, shall your heart and works be found pure? Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, who shall stand in his holy mountain? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psalms 24:4.

The command is given to cleanse ourselves from all the filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God – wherefore come out from among them (the ways of sinners and from the counsel of the ungodly. Psalms 1:1-2), and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Here on earth, God is delighted in children who are after the example of Jesus our forerunner, who during the days of his flesh is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners (Hebrews7:26) and made higher than the heavens. Are you not presently raised up to be seated with him in the heavenly places, far above principalities and powers? Ephesians 2:6. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Hebrews 13:12-14.

Come out of the interest of this world, and be not defiled by any of her idols, ungodliness and worldly lusts: for the world is going, with all the lusts therein, but he that do the will of God abides forever.  1 John 2:15-17.

The believer’s problems with the indwelling sin are as the result of his personal failure or refusal to apply certain principles which are outlined in the scriptures against sin, and to abide therein ….blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Psalms 119:1-6.  

The solution, (a) you should seriously go boldly to the throne of mercy before God to obtain mercy and to find grace to overcome your sin through fast and prayer. Hebrews 4:15-16: (b) if we walk in the light – God’s word, we are assured of victory over sin. But if we walk not in the light, whether by willful disobedient or ignorance (if we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:1 John 1:6), afterward, we return to walk in the light by the confession of that particular sin, agreeing with the word that we have sinned and erred (If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.1 John 1:10), then shall the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  Note: if God will not purify your heart through faith from all unrighteousness, that you may live rightoeusly, soberly and godly in this present evil world, why the need to begot you into this lively hope by the incorruptible seed of his word? Should he plant an in incorruptible seed in you that you might continue to live corruptibly? But to bring out a new – incorruptible man out of the old, and to make a siiner to become saint by the ressurrection power of Jesus from the dead has he shown forth his mercy on us whom he has called, not of  the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles.

Is not his word a lamp to our feet, and light to our path? Psalms 119:105. How can a young man make his way pure and holy? Is it not by taking heed unto God’s commandments? Psalms 119:9. Note: if we do not abide in the word of God, we are not walking in Christ: for he that says he abides in him must also walk, even as he walked, – for we must be rooted and grounded in the word, and by so doing, we shall not be ashamed, but shall assure our hearts before him when he shall appear to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believed.