“That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed” (Romans 9:8).
TEXT —Romans 9:6-13
Message
Often, during normal discussions, we hear people assert, “We are all children of God”! This is because the overwhelming majority of people, that is, discounting the few self-styled atheists and those who reject the scriptural record of creation outrightly, appreciate the fact that God created everything, including all forms of life in this universe. Yes, indeed, God created us all, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible…” (Colossians 1:16). However, afterward, Satan lured Eve and Adam into sin, resulting in the fall (spiritual death or separation from God) of the human race. The resultant spiritual implication is, “…death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression…” (Romans 5:14), meaning eternal damnation for all.
Nevertheless, in His infinite love, God revealed His plan of redemption at the appropriate time, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Having fulfilled His part for the redemption of humanity, everyone is now invited to choose eternal life, instead of damnation, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).
Now, every human being from any race, religion or creed may now freely self-enroll as a member of the kingdom of God, a bona fide child of God through a very simple process. First, acknowledge your sinfulness and hopelessness (Psalm 51:3); second, recognise Jesus Christ as the only Saviour of humanity (John 1:49); thirdly, confess your sinfulness to Him (Proverbs 28:13); and, fourthly, accept Him as Lord and personal Saviour (John 1:12).
Now, it is clear that not everyone is a child of God despite religious zeal, selfless works of charity, personal contributions to churches or religious leaders, ecclesiastical titles or statuses. You must be born again! (John 3:3).
Thought for the day
Where you will spend eternity is your personal choice.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
