Sonship is the process through which a person who does not belong to a given family is formally brought into it and made a full,. legal family member with the rights and responsibilities of that position. The practice of adoption was not common among the Jews, but was more widespread in the Greek and Roman world. The apostle Paul used the term to illustrate the truth that believers have been given the status of “sonship: in the heavenly family; they can call God “Father”. Adoption makes it clear that our sonship is conferred on us, in distinction from Christ’s which is inherent.
[The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook, Walter A. Elwell, ed. (Harold Shaw Pub, Wheaton, Il; 1984), p.346 “10,000 Sermon Illustrations”.]
Galatians 3:26 (NASB) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
John 1:12 (NASB) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…
All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out — rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives.
Being born again makes you physically alive and places you in your parents’ family.
[Life Application Study Bible, (Wheaton, Il: Tyndale, 1988), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 1748.]
Dave's Blog Pages 