John 1:12-13 – v12 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 v13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (NKJV)
Have you ever had a major status change? Maybe you graduated from school, became a parent, or got a promotion at work. It can be disorienting to wake up the next morning and see that everything has changed.
We all go through an instant status change when we become Christians. God has the power to transform us into things that we could never be on our own. Scripture says that while we were once considered enemies with God, we are now considered children of God.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 NIV
In 1 Peter 2:9-10, we see a list of additional status changes. Peter says that we are a chosen people–that means that God specifically sought us out, even while we were still stuck in our own way.
Peter continues, saying that we are a royal priesthood and a holy people. We have been transformed by God’s Spirit, and we are now part of God’s royal family. Instead of being held captive by our past, we are blameless and free in Him.
While we have to work hard to achieve a promotion or graduate from school, for those of us belonging to God’s family a promotion (status change) is free and available to anyone.
Our status before God is completely changed simply through Faith and Grace.
You can probably remember what your life was like before you received the mercy of God. What other benefits have you experienced by being in God’s family?
Spend some time thanking God for His incredible gift to you. Think of a few ways that you can show your gratitude to God this week.
An eternal status change is a change in status that is considered to be more elite and prestigious than anything in the world. An eternal perspective can change everything. This includes narrowing down life to what will be eternally valuable and living for Heaven.
Amen.
WHAT IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES, AND IS IT RELEVANT TODAY?
