Sons

“All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.” (Romans 8:14)

Women, too? Interesting that Paul would say something like this. Women might read that statement and think that Paul was biased. That’s the kind of thing that happens when we take Scripture out of context, though. So, let’s look at the larger context.

Paul says that we have been adopted. We received the Holy Spirit when we were adopted by God. He goes on to say that the Spirit Himself “testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (verse 16) That doesn’t say “sons” but “children.” What all of this means is that as God’s sons, looking at the teachings of the Old Testament, we are therefore “heirs” because inheritance was normally passed on to sons. Then, when Paul says “children,” the idea is that all of us – both men and women – are counted as God’s sons in terms of inheritance. We are all heirs.

Being an heir also means we have a responsibility to live as a child of God. In part, this means that if suffering is involved, we endure it faithfully. It also means that we will inherit the glory of Christ as well. And in that regard, Paul went on to say, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed.” (verse 18) Then he says that we know that God works all things together for the good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes, and that nothing has the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

All this is true because God “counts” us as His sons through adoption. All believers are now co-heirs with Christ.

Lord, Your children thank You. Amen.