We are children of God when we experience the circumcision of the heart and have the Spirit of Christ within us (Romans 2:29).
The assurance of being a child of God is fundamentally rooted in the presence of the Spirit of Christ within an individual. Romans 2:29 indicates that true identity as a Jew and, by extension, as a child of God is not determined by physical descent or external observances but by an inward change brought about by the Spirit. This signifies a profound transformation that encompasses the heart and spirit, distinguishing believers from others.
Additionally, spiritual lineage is traced back to Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who empowers His followers through His indwelling Spirit. This dynamic relationship produces not only faith and obedience but also excludes any basis for boasting in personal achievements or moral conduct. In Ephesians 2:8, we are reminded that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, ensuring that confidence in our status as children of God is established solely on God's grace. Therefore, our identity as children of God hinges on the transformative work of Christ in our lives.
Scripture References:
Romans 2:29, Ephesians 2:8, Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:15, Romans 8:16, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:2
Commentary