Expert: Phillip Senn - 10/18/2004

Question
What is our relationship to God? I know we are his children, but what else is it?

Answer
Actually, not everyone is a child of God. Notice that the Lord Jesus called some children of their "father the devil" in John 8:44. Also Saul, when confronted by Elymas, called him a "child of the devil" in Acts 13:10. Romans 9:8 speaks of those that "are not the children of God" if they are the "children of the flesh".

In the statement "children of the flesh", the Apostle was speaking concerning those who seek to be made right with God (righteous) through obedience to the commandments of God (the law). So then, How does a person become a "child of God"? The Scriptures indicate in Galations 3:26 that it is by "faith in Christ Jesus" that we are the children of God. This is how we become "related" to God. He becomes our Father, and we become His children.

Our relationship with God through faith in the Lord, should lead us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. And that is another form of relationship. While the first is a parental relationship, this is a "love relationship". It is one that, because He has loved us, and given Himself for us, we want to do those things that honor and glorify Him. It is one that calls us to respond in love towards our siblings in the Lord. It is one that calls us to seek to bring others into a right relationship with God through faith in the Lord Jesus.

There is no end to this wonderful parent/child relationship as we now have "Eternal Life" through faith in Christ Jesus. We cannot cease to be His child, and as such, we should never lose our love for Him. We should always continue in our "love relationship" with Him in a way that will show others the way to God through faith in Christ and in a way that will encourage other believers to walk pleasing in His sight.

I hope this has answered your question. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask them through allexperts.com. Also, please rate me on this answer, as it will let me know of areas where I need to work harder to minister effectively through this medium.

With Love in Christ,
Phillip Senn