Chapter 333—Sons of God
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.
1 John 3:2
.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” Can any human dignity equal
this? What higher position can we occupy than to be called the sons of the
infinite God?
What a stupendous thought, what unheard-of condescension, what
amazing love, that finite men may be allied to the Omnipotent! “To them
gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his
name” (
John 1:12
). “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” Can any worldly
honor equal this?
Let us represent the Christian life as it really is; let us make the way
cheerful, inviting, interesting. We can do this if we will. We may fill our
own minds with vivid pictures of spiritual and eternal things, and in so doing
help to make them a reality to other minds. Faith sees Jesus standing as
our Mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the mansions He has
gone to prepare for those who love Him. Faith sees the robe and crown
all prepared for the overcomer. Faith hears the songs of the redeemed, and
brings eternal glories near. We must come close to Jesus in loving obedience,
if we would see the King in His beauty.
To have fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ is to be
ennobled and elevated, and made a partaker of joys unspeakable and full of
glory. Food, clothing, station, and wealth may have their value; but to have a
connection with God and to be a partaker of His divine nature is of priceless
value. Our lives should be hid with Christ in God; and although it “doth not
yet appear what we shall be,” “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear”
(
Colossians 3:4
), “we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” The
princely dignity of the Christian character will shine forth as the sun, and the
beams of light from the face of Christ will be reflected upon those who have
purified themselves even as He is pure. The privilege of becoming sons of
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