You Are A Child Of God So Rejoice!

John the Apostle exhibited a unique love for his fellow Christians. In his first epistle, he encouraged the believers because he considered each of them a child of God.

Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children. 1 John 2:29

What does the phrase, that all who do right are God’s children, mean? In our present day, the term ‘to do right’ has taken on many meanings. People have a hard time agreeing on “right.”

The quick biblical meaning of ‘to do right’ would center on doing right in the eyes of God. As good as that sounds, what does it look like?

In this epistle, John gave us the answer to that question. He first, though, began this chapter by telling us how we can maintain our relationship with God.

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 1 John 2:1

Sin Can Set Us Back

Committing sins becomes a deterrent to the child of God from doing what God sees as right. With Jesus, though, we can stay on the right track by living in obedience to God’s Word.

But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5–6

In other words, our actions must back up the profession of our faith. We must apply the relationship we have with God to the way we treat others.

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment — to love one another — is the same message you heard before. 1 John 2:7

At this elderly stage of John’s life and wisdom, he didn’t pull any punches. He said if someone professing Christianity couldn’t love a fellow Christian, they had a real problem.

Anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. 1 John 2:8

Those Recognized as being a Child of God

So, John made it clear how we can maintain our relationship with God. And what to do if we mess up and sin. Then he made a list of everyone who should give him their attention.

• I am writing to you who are God’s children
• because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
• I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
• because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
• I am writing to you who are young in the faith
• because you have won your battle with the evil one.
• I have written to you who are God’s children
• because you know the Father.
• I have written to you who are mature in the faith
• because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
• I have written to you who are young in the faith
• because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts,
• and you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:12–14

After recognizing the saints in this list, which covered about everyone, he continued with his instructions. Love, the basis of Christianity, takes on its importance by whom we direct it.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 1 John 2:15

Then he issued a warning concerning those who come against the Lord. Many of these “antichrists” started their spiritual journey in the church. At one time, they had accepted Jesus.

Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. 1 John 2:18

Take John’s Warnings Seriously

We must take John’s warnings seriously. He maintained a genuine concern for every child of God. We know that because of the times he repeated the keyword, ‘remain.’

• So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning.
• If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. 1 John 2:24–25
• For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true — it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.1 John 2:27
• And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 1 John 2:28

Let’s review how the child of God must live. It begins by remaining faithful to the Word of God. When we do, we will remain in fellowship with the Father and the Son, that leads to eternal life.

When the Holy Spirit teaches the child of God, they will remain in fellowship with Jesus. Then by remaining in Christ, we will be full of courage when He comes back again.

Remain a Child of God

The word ‘Remain’ means to abide, continue, persevere, and persist. John used that word one more time in the next chapter. It brings every child of God into the presence of the Holy Trinity.

And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us. 1 John 3:23–24

So, as you, child of God, remain connected to the Lord, live in obedience to His Word. Love your fellow Christians. Do not love the ways of the world, and be aware of antichrists.

Lord, today I rejoice because I am a child of God. Thank you for giving us these instructions and warnings. Help me always do what is right as I remain in fellowship with you.

If you are a child of God then read these related post about rejoicing in the Lord.

• Rejoice And Be Glad In The Lord
• His Faithful Love Endures Forever
• How To Enter Into The Presence Of The Almighty
• Enjoying The Benefits Of Living A Godly Life
• I Will Rejoice In The Lord
• What Is The Glorious Privilege Of God’s Faithful Ones?

Check out today’s chapter of 1 John 2.