Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Father

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Children of the Father" is a profound designation for believers, emphasizing their relationship with God as their heavenly Father. This title underscores the intimate and familial bond between God and His followers, highlighting themes of love, inheritance, and identity within the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of believers as "Children of the Father" is rooted in several key passages of Scripture. In the Gospel of John, Jesus Himself speaks of this relationship: "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). This verse establishes that through faith in Christ, individuals are granted the status of God's children.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Romans 8:14-17, Paul writes, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him" . This passage highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who confirms the believer's identity as a child of God and assures them of their inheritance alongside Christ.

Theological Significance

The title "Children of the Father" carries significant theological implications. It speaks to the doctrine of adoption, where believers are brought into the family of God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This adoption is not merely a legal transaction but a relational transformation, where believers are invited to call God "Abba, Father," a term of endearment and intimacy.

This relationship also implies a moral and ethical dimension. As children of God, believers are called to reflect the character of their Father. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This call to holiness is rooted in the believer's identity as a child of God, who is to emulate the righteousness and love of the Father.

Practical Implications

Being "Children of the Father" provides believers with a sense of belonging and security. It assures them of God's love and care, as seen in 1 John 3:1: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" . This assurance empowers believers to live confidently in their faith, knowing they are cherished members of God's family.

Moreover, this identity fosters a sense of unity among believers. As children of the same Father, Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ, called to love and support one another. This familial bond transcends cultural, social, and ethnic barriers, creating a diverse yet unified body of believers.

In summary, the title "Children of the Father" encapsulates the believer's identity, inheritance, and calling within the Christian faith. It is a reminder of the profound love and grace bestowed upon those who trust in Christ, inviting them into a transformative relationship with God as their Father.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:45
That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts XI
... special reference to character, they were called saints. ... of mystic Babylon, and the
swelling titles by which ... the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour ... The wicked have them by providence; the saints
by promise ... He blesses them in their souls, bodies, names, estate, posterity ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... nation or people of God, or
His saints, who know ... For by such names are most suitably figured the enemies ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Wisdom and Revelation.
... 2. THE APPEAL. The names and titles of God are ... Adopting, then, the second of these
interpretations, the saints belong to God and are precious in His sight. ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm

And Gladly Does He Accept and Welcome this Sacrifice...
... what they uttered ages before: "And the saints of the ... To him the names of Captain,
and great High ... Only begotten Son, with a thousand other titles, are ascribed ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter iii and gladly does.htm

The Westminster Shorter Catechism. AD 1647.
... holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances ... of the fathers
upon the children unto the ... church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness ...
/.../the westminster shorter catechism a d.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Mark, Luke, and John, by
their right names, but must ... By grace alone could the saints in Rome call God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Introduction to Proverbs viii. 22 Continued. Contrast Between the ...
... Therefore, when He made His promise to the saints, He thus ... the words of Scripture,
and use the Names, yet they ... The true view of our Lord's titles, on the other ...
/.../chapter xviii introduction to proverbs viii.htm