Born Into God's Family

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him,
because we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

D.L. MOODY
The reason why there are so many in the churches who will not go out and help others is that they are not sure they have been saved themselves. If I thought I was dying myself, I would be in a poor condition to save anyone else. Before I can pull anyone else out of the water, I must have a firm footing on shore myself.
We can have this complete assurance if we will. It does not do to feel we are all right, we must know it. The apostle John says “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” He does not say we are going to be.

ERWIN LUTZER
One of the greatest errors we can make is to view our relationship with God as a religion rather than a relationship. Nobody illustrates this like Nicodemus, a high-ranking official of the Jews. Jesus told Nicodemus, who came secretly by night, that we must be born again to “enter the kingdom of God” (see John 3:5–7).
The new birth brings us back in contact with God. Nicodemus would have understood rebirth from Ezekiel, “I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart” (36:25–27). The life of God is created within us making “all things new” (Revelation 21:5). As this new life grows, we experience radical change. We are born into God’s family, enjoying all of our privileges as sons and daughters.

PRAYER
Father, grant me assurance of the truth that I am yours.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again. What are the implications of Jesus’ use of this analogy?

Why is being assured of our new life in Christ so vital to our effectiveness in Christian service?