God Our Father
THE DAILY WORD
By Jim Seekamp
Tuesday April 8, 2008
Romans 5:17 (NIV)
17. For if, by the trespass of the one man (Adam), death reigned through that one man (Adam), how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the GIFT of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
The righteousness we have received from God when we were born again was given to us as a gift. We were all born into sin in this world, and up until Jesus arose from the dead, ALL of mankind were children of the devil; even those who believed in Jesus during His earthly ministry!
John 8:30-32 (NIV)
30. Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31. To the Jews WHO HAD BELIEVED HIM, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:42-44 (NIV) (Jesus still speaking to the Jews who had believed Him)
42. Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44. YOU BELONG TO YOUR FATHER, THE DEVIL, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
Jesus Christ Himself said that these Jews who BELIEVED Him, and were following Him during His earthly ministry, were children of the devil! That's because ALL of mankind is born into sin, and we ALL need a Savior; every last one of us!
Until Jesus died and arose from the dead, there was NO HOPE for any of us! We were ALL children of the devil. As we saw in Romans 5:17, the sin of Adam brought spiritual death to all of mankind; it takes hold of everyone at some point!
Every baby that is born on earth is spiritually ALIVE, because it is innocent. The Apostle Paul said that he was spiritually ALIVE (despite his sinful nature; through innocense), then he spiritually died (as soon as he knew what was right to do and didn't do it):
Romans 7:9 (NIV)
Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died.
Paul was born innocent, but as soon as he was old enough to know what was right (the commandment came) and he didn't do it, he died spiritually. Paul became a child of the devil just as much as you and I were, until we received the free gift of eternal LIFE (zoe: the life of God):
Romans 6:23 (NIV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life (zoe: the life of God) in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul said he was THE WORST of sinners; but he received mercy from God as an example of God's acceptance of all who come to Him:
1 Timothy 1:15,16 (NIV)
15. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I AM THE WORST. 16. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life (zoe: the life of God).
All who receive the free gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus become CHILDREN OF GOD!!
Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV)
4. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5. to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Romans 8:15 (NIV)
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of SONSHIP. And by him we cry, "Abba, FATHER."
From the time Paul got saved onward, he always referred to God as his Father, and the Father of all who receive Christ Jesus:
Romans 1:7 (NIV)
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from GOD OUR FATHER and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV)
Grace and peace to you from GOD OUR FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:2 (NIV)
Grace and peace to you from GOD OUR FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:3 (NIV)
Grace and peace to you from GOD OUR FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 1:2 (NIV)
Grace and peace to you from GOD OUR FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2 (NIV)
Grace and peace to you from GOD OUR FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:2 (NIV)
To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from GOD OUR FATHER.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
We continually remember before OUR GOD AND FATHER your work produced by faith...
2 Thessalonians 1:1 (NIV)
Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in GOD OUR FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Philemon 1:3 (NIV)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Thank You Father for Your Word, that tells us the wonderful things You have done for us. Thank You for being my heavenly Father; a perfect Father who always loves me. Help me to see You as my loving Father, and to spend time with You in prayer and worship, always grateful and thankful.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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