See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 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. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.1
The thought that I am considered a child of God is assuring; in the same time, I tremble with the idea that a holy God is my Father, who calls me beloved. This status is undeserved. For I know if left to my own, I can fall for the lure of temptation—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life2—and disappoint my Father.
On what basis is my confidence then? God’s steadfast love! And his promise! God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.3 I cannot merit any good works of mine for they all fall short of God’s perfection and holiness—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.4 I know and believe his finish work through the cross.5 I am positionally made perfect by His Blood6—my past, present, future sins forgiven.7 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.8 Thus, I am justified,9 redeemed,10 accepted,11 reconciled to the God,12 adopted as son,13 sealed by the promised Holy Spirit.14
God does not waver. What he says stands forever! God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?15But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with your mouth one confesses and is saved.16 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.17
There is a process. Abide in him and his words.18 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.19 Be steadfast.20 Do not throw away your confidence.21
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.22
Notes:
1. 1 John 3:1-3
2. 1 John 2:15-16
3. 1 John 4:8—9
4. Romans 5:8
5. John 19:28-30
6. Romans 3:25
7. Romans 3:25b, 1 John 1:9, 2:12
8. Psalm 103:11-12
9. Romans 3:24
10. Ephesians 1:7
11. Ephesians 1:6
12. Romans 5:10-11, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
13. Ephesians 1:5
14. Ephesians 1:13-14
15. Numbers 23:19
16. Romans 10:8-10
17. Hebrews 13:8
18. John 15:4-11
19. John 15:3
20. 1 Corinthians 15:58
21. Hebrews 10:35-36
22. Psalm 103:1-5
