SONS OF GOD by J. E. Evans

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 21, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 21.

SONS OF GOD.

By J. E. Evans

BY ELDER J. E. EVANS.

That the family relation in spiritual things is recognized and taught in the Scriptures is clear. This, like every other doctrine therein expressed, is for the comfort of all who walk the narrow way. God is not arbitrary. Such a disposition is foreign to his nature. All of his dealings and instruction are based upon the principle of love, and are the outgrowth of that infinite wisdom which guided the great Architect in creation, and which enables him to justly weigh every thought and act of man.

The following expressions of Scripture recognize in the people of earth but two families: “Our Father which art in heaven.” Matt. 6:9. “Ye do the deeds of your father.” “Ye are of your father the devil.” John 8:41, 44. Each family has its head; the children of each reveal its plan of government, and each bear the fruit of that of which they are born. John 3:6.

Adam was a son of God. Luke 3:38. Had he not sinned, all would have been members of the heavenly family; but sin deprived them of their beautiful home, and made them “strangers and foreigners” to “the household of God.” Eph. 2:19. Thus they were made the servants of sin, the wages of which is death. But to all “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Gal. 4:4, 5. “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Eph. 2:18, 19. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Rom. 8:15. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:1, 2.

While the Scriptures do not, in just those words, speak of Christ as our elder brother, yet the thought has already not only been implied, but clearly expressed, in the language quoted above. But, further, does not the word say that he “was made in the likeness of men?” And is he not called “the Man Christ Jesus?” Read again the following words: “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, . . . I will declare thy name unto my brethren.” “Wherefore in all things it became him to be made like unto his brethren.” Heb. 2:11, 12, 17. “Verily I say to you, That inasmuch as ye did so to one of these my little brothers, ye did so to me.” Matt. 25:40 (Syriac).

Conditions of Adoption.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power [right or privilege] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26. It is legitimate and proper that those who were by fraud deprived of their home, should have the opportunity and privilege of returning to the home of parental love. Thus God in Christ has provided a way by which all who so desire may return and enjoy the comforts of unselfish but yet often despised and abused love. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6:17, 18.

It is a common expression, “Like produces like,” and in every case the children partake of their parents’ nature. So those who are adopted into the family of heaven partake of the nature of its Head. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.

These two natures and the government of the two families being so different, it is reasonable that the one presenting himself for adoption should cheerfully submit to the family discipline, expect to become acquainted with its rules and regulations, and to work in harmony with its government. A child adopted into a family on earth may have a wayward disposition, and sometimes think the requirements are arbitrary; and to all outward appearances there may be but little to encourage those who have undertaken to remodel the young life; but gradually, and perhaps to the child unconsciously, the habits and manners are changed, requirements become privileges, and the wholesome influence of the new relation is apparent to all.