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Being a Member of God’s Family on Earth

Being a Member of God’s Family on Earth

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1 NKJV).

What amazing love, incredible goodness, and unfathomable privilege the Father has bestowed upon us in inviting us to be members of His family. We are given the opportunity to become heavenly royalty, princes and princesses of the celestial government—as the apostle Paul says, “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

Do you recognize your royal status? Do you live like a member of the house of God? Do you carry yourself with the dignity, confidence, and grace of one who lives to represent their heavenly Father? Do you feel and live out the value and worth God has placed in you as His royal child?

Of course, to receive the benefits of being part of God’s family requires that we are, in fact, members of His family. So how does one become a member of the family of God? Is there something more to it than just being born?

I have heard some pastors ask their audience if only our obedient children are considered members of the family. They ask, “Aren’t your rebellious children still your children? So aren’t the wicked, the unrepentant, considered children of God—just children behaving badly?”

Some might point to the genealogy of Christ in Luke chapter 3, which ends:

… the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God (v. 38 NIV84).

From this verse, they conclude that since Adam was the son of God and we are all descended from Adam, then every human is a child of God—some are good children and some are bad children, but all are still God’s children. What do you think of this idea?

What did Jesus mean when He said to the Jewish leaders:

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44 NIV84, emphasis mine).

Isn’t Jesus making a distinction between being born a descendant of Adam, of being part of the human family, and what it means to be part of God’s family?

The apostle John tells us that “to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12, 13 NIV84, emphasis mine).

If we become children of God when we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, wouldn’t that mean we were not considered children of God before we accepted Him?

Consider these verses:

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26 NIV84).

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory (Romans 8:14–17 NIV84, emphasis mine).

It would appear that to be a member of God’s family, we must first be born into the world physically—born into the human family—and then we must be reborn spiritually, reborn into God’s family.

Why? To be considered part of God’s family means and requires that we bear the image of God, that we have God’s law, methods, principles, and character within us, and that we look like God to the world. Whereas those who internalize and embrace the principles of selfishness and sin become like Satan in character, look like him, and are considered part of his family.

Notice what John tells us:

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother (1 John 3:8–10 NIV84, emphasis mine).

Children resemble their parents, carrying within them attributes of the parents, genetically and physically, yes, but also in attributes of language, character, practice, and beliefs.

Likewise, those who are born of God become like God; they carry within themselves the attributes, characteristics, methods, and principles of God (the seed of God), thereby resembling God, having been restored to the image of God and, thus, are part of God’s family. With that new heart-orientation, they do not go on living for self but, instead, live for the glory of God and the benefit of His kingdom. They live lives of service, of usefulness, of other-centeredness rather than lives seeking to aggrandize self. Such people live like Jesus and, thus, carry His image into the world and are considered part of His family.

In contrast, those who internalize the methods, principles, practices, and characteristics of Satan and thereby become like him are considered part of Satan’s family because they resemble him and carry around his image.

John confirmed that the children of God live like Jesus lived when he wrote, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”

Does this verse make you uncomfortable?

Do we believe that, via the Holy Spirit, we are reborn, that we receive new hearts and right spirits, that the “seed” of God is planted within us? In other words, we receive the very life of God, we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and it works a change in us so that our motives, desires, attitudes, understanding, perspectives, and practices change, and we grow, develop, transform, and become ever more like Jesus!

Or do we instead believe that we merely have a legal adjustment in a book, have adoption papers filed in the heavenly court, and are legally declared to be part of God’s family—even though we go on living sinful lives and still look like Satan in character?

Which idea are you more comfortable with:

  • Those born of God will go on sinning until Jesus returns, or
  • Those born of God will not go on sinning?

What law lens do you understand this through? What is the essence, the root, of sin? Is it deed and task performance, or is it attitudes of the heart? And the root attitude of sin is distrust of and disloyalty to God, attitudes predicated upon fear and selfishness.

Those reborn into the family of God may be tempted by fear and selfishness, they may have struggles in personal performance, they may make errors in judgment (like Peter did when he didn’t associate with the uncircumcised), but they do not break trust with God. They remain humble; they have hearts that love truth and are willing to be corrected and grow. They love God and others. They do not love their lives so much as to shrink from death (Revelation 12:11). Thus, they develop, advance, and grow in godliness—in the same way that children grow. This growth in godliness is evidence that they are children of God, that they are part of God’s family, and that they are not going on living in rebellion (sinning) but are living victoriously.

We become part of God’s family when we are reborn through Jesus and become like Him in character, people who live out the principles of God—truth, love, and freedom—in how we treat others.

 

 

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Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA