The Gospel of Sonship

In this exploration of divine sonship, we discover that being a child of God is far more profound than the common belief that everyone is automatically God's child by virtue of creation. Through careful examination of Scripture, we learn that true sonship comes through faith in Jesus Christ and adoption into God's family. This transformation grants believers unprecedented access to the Father and makes them co-heirs with Christ in God's kingdom.

Synopsis:

Understanding True Sonship

The concept of divine sonship is often misunderstood in contemporary society. While there's a common belief that everyone is a child of God by virtue of creation, Scripture presents a more nuanced view. Just as an estranged child might retain biological connection but lose family privileges, humanity's relationship with God was fundamentally altered through Adam's sin. Although God created all people, not everyone enjoys the privileges of being in His household.

This reality is illustrated in the relationship between parents and children in everyday life. Consider how a child returning from college doesn't knock on their parents' door – they simply walk in because it's their home. This intimate access represents the kind of relationship God desires with His children. However, this level of access isn't universal; it's reserved for those who have been adopted into God's family through faith in Christ.

Israel as God's Son

In the Old Testament, we see God's pattern of sonship first expressed through Israel. "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11:1). God chose Israel from among all nations to be His special possession, calling them out of Egypt and into a covenant relationship. They were to be different, separate, and were given the privilege of building God's house – the temple – where they could dwell in His presence.

However, like Adam before them, Israel rebelled. As John writes, "This is how God's children and the devil's children become obvious. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God" (1 John 3:10). Despite their special status, Israel followed the pattern of disobedience, becoming estranged from their Father just as Adam had been.

Jesus: The Perfect Son

Into this context of failed sonship, God sent Jesus as His unique Son. "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16). Jesus's title as Son of God carries dual significance, rooted in both divine nature and human heritage. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, affirming His divine nature, and born of the Virgin Mary, establishing His connection to Israel.

Jesus fulfilled what Israel could not, becoming the perfect Son who completely obeyed the Father. Matthew draws this parallel explicitly when he applies Hosea's prophecy about Israel to Jesus: "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Matthew 2:15). This connection wasn't coincidental – it demonstrated Jesus as the better Israel, the perfect Son who would accomplish what the nation could not.

Adoption into God's Family

Through Christ, believers are invited into God's family through adoption. "He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will" (Ephesians 1:5). This adoption was God's plan from before creation, knowing humanity would need redemption through Christ.

The doctrine of adoption teaches that while all humans are God's creation, only those who receive Christ become His children in the fullest sense. "But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believed in his name" (John 1:12). This adoption grants believers incredible privileges: intimate access to God, inheritance in His kingdom, and transformation into Christ's image.

The Process of Transformation

For those adopted into God's family, a process of transformation begins. As Paul writes, "We know all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters" (Romans 8:28-29).

This transformation isn't about following religious rules – it's about being conformed to Christ's image through the Holy Spirit's work. Unlike other religions that focus on law-keeping, Christianity recognizes humanity's inability to perfectly obey and instead relies on God's transformative power to make us like Christ.

The Privilege of Access

Being God's child through adoption grants unprecedented access to the Father. As Tim Keller illustrated, while anyone might petition a king in his court during designated times, only a child has the privilege of waking the king in the middle of the night for a drink of water. This intimate access characterizes the relationship believers have with God – they can approach Him boldly, honestly, and at any time.

The Holy Spirit gives believers the spirit of adoption that enables them to cry "Abba, Father" – an intimate term of endearment that reflects the close relationship between God and His children. Unlike earthly fathers who may be absent or emotionally distant, our heavenly Father is always present, always listening, and always caring for His children.

Conclusion

The gospel of sonship reveals that becoming a child of God is not automatic – it's a right given to those who receive Christ and acknowledge Him as King. This relationship transforms believers from estranged creatures into beloved children with full access to their Father's presence and inheritance in His kingdom. As we understand and embrace this truth, it should shape how we share the gospel, inviting others not just into a religion, but into God's family.