But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
Unlike the religions of this world, being a Christian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, involves a personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. After trusting in Jesus as Savior, an individual becomes a part of God’s family.
Let’s reflect on some Bible verses detailing our change of status.
A New Creature
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Children of God
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, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12, 13).
Adoption
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4, 5).
Sons of God
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14).
Disciples
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35).
With our changed status as a part of God’s family let us seek to obey, honor, and glorify God with our bodies.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1, 2).
Bible verses are from The New American Standard Bible (1995).
Pastor Cecil Price
January 12, 2025