We Are Called Children Of God.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 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."    [1 John 3: 1-2]

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us." Consider who we were, and how we feel ourselves, to be even now when the impurity is so powerful in us, then you will be amazed at the adoption of our, yet we are called "children of God."  What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! How great is the love and tenderness that the son would expect from his father, and how great the love of father feels toward the son! But all of that, and even more, we now have in Christ. Regarding the temporary loss of the shared suffering with the elder brother, we will accept it as an honour: " Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." We are content to be unknown not known with Him in His humilation, for we shall be exalted with Him , " Beloved, now we are children of God."  This sentence is easy to read, but it is not so easily to perceived. How is it with your heart this morning?  Are in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does impurity rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor splash under your feet? Does your faith almost fail you?  Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live, you should live simply by faith in Christ. With all these things are against us, right now-in the very depths of our sorrow, no matter where we are-now, as much in in the valley or as on the mountain, "Beloved, now we are children of God. '" Ah, but, "we say, " see how I am arrayed!,  my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory. "But read the next sentence: "and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him,"  the Holy Spirit will purify our minds, and divine power will refine our bodies; then we shall see Him as He is. Amen, God bless