In a world where identity seems fluid and purpose feels elusive, the apostle John offers us something revolutionary: a love that doesn’t just touch our lives but completely transforms them. This isn’t ordinary love – it’s what John calls love “from another world,” a divine love that changes everything about who we are, where we’re going, and how we live.
What Does It Mean to Be Adopted by God?
When John writes “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children of God,” he’s not making a casual observation. He’s expressing wonder at something that should stop us in our tracks. The word “behold” is an exclamation meant to grab our attention and draw us into the attractive wonder of God’s love.
The Power of Roman Adoption
To understand the full impact of being called God’s children, we need to understand what adoption meant in John’s time. Under Roman law, an adopted son had remarkable status: – All previous debts were legally cancelled – The old family had no claim on him whatsoever – He was considered born anew into his new family – Most importantly, he could not be disowned – his position was more secure than even a biological child When John speaks of us being adopted as God’s children, he’s describing a permanent, unbreakable, identity-transforming relationship. We have been given the right to cry “Abba, Father” – the most intimate term for daddy in Hebrew.
Why Doesn’t the World Understand Christians?
John explains that “the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” We shouldn’t be surprised when the world doesn’t understand us, doesn’t like us, or even attacks us. They didn’t understand Jesus either, and He was perfect and without sin. This disconnect happens because we carry the mark of Jesus upon us. If your life is indistinguishable from the world around you, John suggests one of two things is true: either you’re not truly a child of God, or you’re a child who has wandered far from home. Either way, the remedy is the same – come to the Father and receive Jesus Christ.
What Is Our Destiny as God’s Children?
John doesn’t leave us wondering about our future. He reveals two incredible truths about our destiny:
We Will Become Like Jesus
“We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” Right now, we all have an “under construction” sign over our lives. God is working through a process called sanctification – setting us apart and continually transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ. This transformation may not be complete until we’re in Jesus’ presence, but one day we will be exactly like Him. In the blink of an eye, we will be transformed.
We Will Spend Eternity With Him
The phrase “we shall see him as he is” signifies that we will never leave His side. We will always be in His presence. This is why Paul tells us our life is “hidden with Christ in God” – we are covered, safe, and protected by Christ as we go about our daily lives.
How Does God’s Love Change Our Conduct?
The love that gives us a new identity and destiny also transforms how we live. John shows us three specific ways:
It Gives Us Purifying Hope
“Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” Hope in Jesus Christ changes a person. We can see the difference between people who have hope and those who don’t. Those with hope can smile, see possibilities, and face challenges with confidence. Christians have two hopes: the hope that Jesus is in us right now, giving us everything we need to live for today, and the blessed hope of His return when He will gather His church to Himself.
It Trains Us for Righteous Living
John makes a crucial distinction between occasional sin and habitual, unrepentant sin. A genuine child of God cannot be comfortable in ongoing unrepentant sin because new birth produces a new nature that wars against old patterns. The good news is that Jesus came not only to take away our sins but to “destroy the works of the devil.” That word “destroy” literally means to loose, to untie, to break apart. For those who feel bound by chains of sin, Jesus has the power to dismantle Satan’s kingdom piece by piece.
It Enables Us to Love Others
“Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” When we become children of God, He gives us the love necessary to love others – even those who annoy us, hurt us, or are strangers to us. We don’t have to manufacture this love ourselves. We simply ask, and God gives us the love necessary through His Holy Spirit.
Life Application
The love of God really does change everything – who you are, where you’re going, and how you act. If you allow that love to permeate your heart, you will see gradual, persistent, continual change. This week, challenge yourself to live from your true identity as God’s adopted child. Remember that you are covered by His blood, protected by His presence, and destined for transformation into His likeness. Ask yourself these questions: – Am I living like someone who truly believes they are God’s adopted child? – What areas of my conduct need to be surrendered to God’s transforming love? – How can I better love my “brothers and sisters” – even those who are difficult to love? – Am I allowing hope in Christ to purify my perspective on current circumstances? Remember, you don’t act like a Christian to earn your salvation – you act like a Christian because you have already been saved and adopted into God’s family. Let that identity transform everything about how you live.
