Sons of the Father

By Ps Panir Rajamany

Introduction

God is building His house with each of us as living stones, with Christ as the cornerstone and the apostles and prophets as the foundation. He is our loving heavenly Father, as revealed by Christ. Although sin broke the father-child relationship in the Garden of Eden, Christ came to restore and reconcile us back to God.

Today, we are adopted as sons and daughters of the Father. The Spirit of adoption brings us into sonship, allowing us to call Him "Abba, Father."

Romans 8:14–17 (ESV)

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.

Our Identity as Sons and Daughters

We are co-heirs with Christ. As sons and daughters, we have both inheritance and identity in God.

Galatians 4:6–7 (ESV)

6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Jesus is the firstfruit of the new creation, and we follow after Him. As children of God, we are meant to reflect His image and character.

Romans 8:29 (ESV)

For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Sonship and Identity

God, the Creator of the universe, calls us His sons and daughters. He is our protector, provider, guide, and refuge. We can approach Him at any time.

2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV)

And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.

Satan does not want us to know who we are, as **identity determines destiny**:

Identity gives us authority and power.
Identity gives us purpose—without it, we may live without direction.
Identity gives us security—we need not be afraid because God is with us.
Identity brings connection and belonging.
Identity guarantees inheritance—we have a glorious inheritance in God.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Our Inheritance as God’s Children

As children of God, we receive:

Eternal life (John 3:16)
Co-heirship with Christ (Romans 8:17)
Access to the Kingdom of God
Spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3–14)
Glorious, incorruptible riches (1 Peter 1:3–5)

Lost Sons in the House of God

Even though God calls us His children, we may still live as slaves in His house. In the **Parable of the Lost Sons** (Luke 15:11–32), the younger son was lost and found, but the older son was lost while still at home.

The older son dishonored the father by refusing to celebrate his brother’s return. He saw himself as a servant rather than a son, just as some believers remain in the house of God without truly knowing the Father.

Luke 15:28–32 (ESV)

28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

The Father’s Compassion

Our heavenly Father is full of compassion and knows that we are weak.

Psalm 103:13–14 (ESV)

13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

God’s Delight in Us

We are God’s pride and joy. He is not ashamed to be our God, no matter our past. He will complete the good work He started in us (Philippians 1:6).

Hebrews 11:16 (ESV)

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.

Conclusion

As children of God, we can walk in victory, knowing that everything we need is found in Christ alone.

Hallelujah and Amen!

I Am God's Child

This poem by Sharon Lagueux reflects our identity in Christ:

I am a child of God, forever in His keeps.

His eye on the sparrow, because He never sleeps.

I am a child of God, the Bible tells me so.

And I truly need Him, in Him I must grow.

(Excerpt from the poem by Sharon Lagueux)