THE CHILDREN OF PROMISE
"Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." (Gal 4:28 KJV)
Devotion 7 of 15

AN OVERVIEW OF GALATIANS 4:19-31

There was no room for the two sons in the same house. Eventually, Ishmael had to leave. That might not be approved by those that focus on the family, but it was sanctioned, and even commanded, by the living God. Bondage and liberty cannot dwell in the same house! Those who serve without being related to the owner must eventually be cast out! To put it another way, when it comes to the basis for our salvation, Law and grace cannot live together! Faith and works cannot cooperate in laying the foundation for eternal life! To attempt such a thing would be like dividing the Abrahamic promise with Ishmael and Isaac. It simply cannot be done!

If that seems too difficult for our hearts, they must be made new! Promise is superior to Law, and sons have the advantage over slaves! The inheritance belongs to those whose birth can be traced to Divine initiative. No others will receive it! Like Ishmael, unregenerate people may live in the same house with those who are born of God--but they have no right to the promises! The good things of God do not belong to those enslaved to law, whose hearts have not been renewed! This is why the emphasis of the New Covenant is sonship rather than service. Do not think for a fleeting moment that service is excluded! It is, however, subordinate to, and the result of, sonship.

Hear the Word of the Lord. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are THE SONS OF GOD" (Rom 8:14). "That ye may be blameless and harmless, THE SONS OF GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Phil 2:15). "Beloved, now are we THE SONS OF GOD . . . " (1 John 3:1). The condition of being "sons of God" is what constitutes us "children of promise."

It is interesting to observe how very little our sonship is mentioned by many contemporary ministers. With a social agenda, and operating by the principle of Law, they can scarcely form the words THE SONS OF GOD. However, the Word of God addresses us as sons, and therein is the secret to its power. If you speak to the people of God as though they were alienated, you will not be able to deliver the Gospel, or expound its benefits. What is more, your message will be powerless to effect the purpose of God. The "power of God unto salvation" is ever the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:16). Those in Christ hear that Gospel as "sons and daughters of the Most High."

Time would fail us to further develop how early believers were consistently addressed by holy men of God. Even when confronting serious deficiencies in the churches, the people were addressed as "saved," "sanctified, "called," and "justified." The apprehension of their status in Christ Jesus was the secret to their recovery from spiritual setbacks and even delusion.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for providing a salvation that makes me Your own child.

-- Tomorrow: GOD MADE PROMISES --