© 2024 Philip M Spence
Paul the Apostle spoke clearly about sonship when he wrote to the church at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:3-14). He said that Jesus our King is the guarantee that we will receive our inheritance from our Father in Heaven, giving us the assurance that we will receive it (Ephesians 1:14). Sonship with God is not just an idea, it is the foundation of our position and relationships in the Kingdom of God.
We are Destined for Sonship
The Apostle Paul encourages us to live a life of praise to God because of the extent and enormity of the blessings He has brought into our lives (Ephesians 1:3). This array of blessings includes being destined for relationship with the Father before He began creation (Ephesians 1:4).
The full concept of being chosen or destined seems to involve the idea that our destiny to be sons of God comes from Him and is laid out by Him for us. This shows God’s intent regarding our destiny as His sons.
We are Destined to be Adopted as Sons
The concept of adoption has some negative connotations for us so let us look deeper into what the original language of the New Testament might have. The clearest picture of this concept is one of placing a son in a family (Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 4:5, Romans 8:14-23).
Paul speaks more about this when he writes to the church at Rome. He calls the Holy Spirit the ‘Spirit of Adoption’ who places us in the family of God. The Holy Spirit convinces us of our place as sons of God, and that we are therefore the heirs of our Father in Heaven, entitled to the inheritance that He has for us. Paul also says that the sons of God are those who hear the voice of the Holy Spirit who will lead them in living a life that glorifies the Father (Romans 8:14-17).
Paul concludes this section of his teaching saying that everything God has created is longing to see those with the spirit of sonship rise, make themselves known, and begin to manifest the Kingdom of Heaven on Planet Earth. The world is not looking forward to the emergence of the church as they perceive it, but the influence of those with the spirit of sonship will resonate with a world struggling with the futility of life outside the Kingdom of God (Romans 8:18-23).
We are Destined for Sonship because of the Father’s Love
Fathers want to leave an inheritance for their children because of their love for them. This desire in the heart of earthly fathers comes from the image of God in which we are made. Our Father in Heaven places us as sons in His family, and guarantees us an inheritance, because of His great love for us (Ephesians 1:4-5).
We are Destined for Sonship according to His Favour
Sons enjoy the favour of their father. Their father’s name can open doors for them. Their father’s word can bring gain for them. Their father’s word can establish things for their children and grandchildren.
In the same way, those who have within them the spirit of sonship enjoy the favour of their Father in Heaven. He dispenses His grace upon His sons in a lavish way. They experience the glory, wealth, and generosity of His favour upon their lives, families, businesses, ministries, and community endeavours (Ephesians 1:6-8).
We are Destined for Sonship according to the Father’s Will
The will of the Father includes an overall purpose in His Kingdom, and a master plan for the fulfilment of His eternal purpose. Sonship is our destiny because it is the will of the Father for those who have entered His Kingdom. If it is His will to place us in His family, and guarantee us an inheritance, He will bring to bear His Word and power to bring it about for the sake of His glory (Ephesians 1:9-12).
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Phil Spence is an author, speaker, mentor and musician. He leads Enlarj, a relational apostolic network influencing more than 20 nations. He oversees School of the Kingdom in many of these nations. Phil is internationally recognised as an apostle. Phil may be contacted via phil@enlarj.com
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