Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome. More specifically todays passage is found in the eighth chapter of this New Testament book. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free form the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesH; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:1-11).

 

            “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the ear test expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:12-22)

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first first of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adjoining, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helped our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searchers the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:23-27).

 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknowledge he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified” (Romans 8:28-30).

 

            “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justified. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, ye rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:31-34).

 

            “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).

 

            When you come to the eighth chapter of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome you will encounter a powerful shift and transition within the epistle. Throughout the epistle thus far we have indeed found the apostle Paul emphatically declaring unto these dear saints—both Jews and Gentiles—that they are saved by faith through grace alone in the free gift of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul has spent a considerable amount of time declaring unto these saints that they are justified by faith apart from the Law, without works and even without and apart the rite of circumcision. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words presented in this epistle for the apostle Paul would indeed build off the reality that the just shall indeed live by their faith and there is absolutely nothing within them which can or should boast. WE dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this particular truth for it brings us face to face with the fact that the apostle Paul would indeed preach the gospel unto both Jews and Gentiles for it is within the gospel we find the power of God unto salvation. In reality the core of the gospel which the apostle Paul preached is found in the first and third chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. In both the first and third chapter of this gospel we find powerful language that speaks directly to the heart and center of what it truly does indeed mean to be a son of the living God. What’s more is that even as you read the words which are found in this passage written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome you will find him writing and speaking of those who had indeed and did in fact become sons of the living God. Consider the following words which are found in the eighth chapter of this epistle beginning to read with and from the twelfth verse:

 

            “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, built by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Roman 8:12-22).

           

Please don’t miss the incredible language that is found in this particular passage of Scripture for the apostle Paul perfectly and wonderfully declares that as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. This is incredibly powerful language which is found in this particular epistle for the apostle Paul declares unto the saints which were at Rome that not only was there the eternal and only begotten Son who came forth from the Father but that Son was the firstborn of many sons who would be begotten of the Father through faith. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for if you want to truly understand your relationship to and with the eternal Father which is in heaven you must needs acknowledge that you have in fact been called to be sons—and not only sons but also daughters of the eternal and living God. The apostle Paul wrote unto the saints which were at Rome that they—and not only they but himself and all of us who would read his words—were debtors, however, we were not debtors to the flesh to live after the flesh. The apostle Paul emphatically declared that if we live after the flesh we shall die but if we through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body we shall live. The underlying crux of this particular portion of the epistle is the truth that we have been called—not to live according to the flesh which ends in death but to live according to the Spirit which is life. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that we have indeed and have in fact been called to crucify and mortify the deeds of the flesh together with the sinful and carnal nature within us. There is a great need for us as the saints of God to be those who truly recognize and understand that we have in fact been called to be the begotten sons of the living God who have been called according to His purpose and according to His glorious might which is found in His eternal Godhead.

 

I sit here today thinking about and considering the words presented in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth that we as those who believe on the name of the Lord Jesus—those who have confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus and those who have believed with our heart that God raised Him from the dead—are such who have been called to be the sons of the living God. We cannot afford to miss this particular truth for it strikes at the very heart and center of what is present and manifested within us as those who have been called to be the sons and daughters of the living God. The apostle Paul would write that as many as are led by the Spirit of God it is they who are the sons of God. Pause for a moment and consider that and how absolutely incredible it truly is that we should indeed and should in fact be called the sons of God. We know throughout the four gospels that Jesus of Nazareth was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father and there were two distinct and specific times when the voice of the Father broke through the barrier which exists between heaven and earth and proclaimed that Jesus was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. This is something we must needs recognize for when Jesus came to this earth He didn’t merely come as the Messiah and the Christ but He came as the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father that He might show and demonstrate unto us that which we have indeed been called to. We know that the angel Gabriel declared unto Mary and Joseph that Jesus would be called the Son of the Highest and throughout Jesus’ public ministry there were various times when He would be recognized as the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the four gospel narratives written by their respective authors concerning Jesus coming forth as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God:

 

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be not end. Then said mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:26-38).

 

It is absolutely necessary and imperative we recognize and pay close attention to the words presented in this passage of Scripture for within it we find the angel Gabriel appearing unto Mary in the town of Nazareth declaring unto her that she would conceive within her womb the holy seed of the living God. What’s more is the angel Gabriel would also declare unto her that this child which would be conceived within her and brought forth into the earth would be called JESUS for He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest. We must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for if you want to truly understand the nature of Jesus the Christ when He came to the earth and was manifested among men you must recognize that He came forth as the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. We know that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and the Christ and that there were various times when He was indeed recognized as the Messiah and Christ and times when He would speak of Himself as the Messiah. With this being said, however, we must needs understand that when Jesus came forth into the earth He came forth as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God—that which come forth from heaven and would live among us as the image of the invisible God who dwelt in the midst of the heavens. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous reality of Jesus coming forth and being manifested as the Son of the Highest. Jesus would indeed be born of a virgin who had come in contact with no man and would come forth as the Son of the Highest for having not been brought forth by the seed of man—not only would He not be tarnished by the sin nature that would be passed down from generations since Adam but His Father would not be one of the earth but one of heaven itself.

 

The more I read the words presented in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful reality that Jesus—when He came forth from the Father which was in heaven—would come forth as the eternal and only begotten Son. When the angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary in the town of Nazareth—not only would he declare unto her that this child would be called the Son of the Highest but he also declared that the holy thing which was to be born of her would be called the Son of God. Twice within this exchange between Mary and the angel Gabriel it was declared that Jesus would indeed and would in fact be proclaimed as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Men, women, demons and unclean spirits would all proclaim that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God. What’s more is that even the eternal Father which was in heaven would emphatically proclaim that Jesus was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father in whom he was well pleased. This is something we must needs understand and acknowledge within our hearts and our spirits for when we read the four gospels we must recognize that Jesus was proclaimed to be the Son of God by the angel Gabriel, He would be confirmed as the Son by the Father, He would be feared as the Son by demons and unclean spirits and He would be proclaimed as the Son by men and women—including a Roman soldier and those who were at the cross and witnessed the great earthquake, the darkness, and all the vents which took place on that day in which Jesus hung naked and bleeding upon that cruel Roman tree. If we are to truly understand our own relationship to the Father as sons (and daughters) of God we must needs acknowledge and come face to face with the fact that Jesus was indeed the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. I firmly believe that without an understanding of Jesus as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God we cannot and will not understand our own existence as the sons of the living God.

 

It is with all of this being said I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the four New Testament gospels concerning the voice which would speak from heaven and declare Jesus as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Not only would this voice speak from heaven once at the Jordan River but this voice would also speak a second time on the top of a great mountain upon which Jesus took His disciples Peter, James and John. There were two distinct times in which the eternal Father which was in heaven would speak from the midst of heaven and declare that Jesus was the only begotten Son in whom the Father was well pleased. It would be during the first encounter the voice of the Father would speak from heaven and declared Jesus to be His only begotten Son of the Father in whom He was well pleased while it would be the second encounter where the Father would declare Jesus to be the eternal and only begotten Son and then command those present to hear and listen to Him. Having said this I now invite you to turn and direct your attention to the following words which are found in each of the gospels concerning Jesus’ being declared as the begotten Son of the Father from the Father which was in heaven as well as the declaration atop the mountain that Jesus was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father:

 

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbid him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17).

 

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:9-11).

 

“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21-22).

 

It is within each of these passages where we find Jesus of Nazareth coming forth from Galilee unto Judaea and unto the Jordan River to be baptized of John the Baptist. It would be there at the Jordan River where Jesus was not only baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist but also where the heavens were opened before and unto Him. IN the midst of the open heavens there in Judaea at the Jordan River we find the Spirit descending and lighting upon Jesus and the voice of the Father speaking from the midst of heaven and declaring that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. This is something which must needs be understood for it would be the angel Gabriel who would first declare that the child born unto Mary would be called the Son of the Highest—the Son of God—and now it would be the Father Himself who would declare that Jesus was His beloved and begotten Son in whom He was well pleased. How absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the truly wonderful truth surrounding the Father now entering into the picture and speaking of Jesus that He was His beloved Son—and not only His beloved Son but also His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. This is something which must needs be recognized and understood within our hearts and minds for as I have already mentioned—if we want to understand our relationship to the Father as the sons of God we must needs understand our relationship to He who was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father and He who was the firstborn among many sons.

 

With this at the forefront of our minds I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the following words which are found in the same three New Testament gospels and the account of Jesus taking with Him Peter, James and John up into a high mountain to pray. It would be there atop this mountain where as Jesus was praying He would be transfigured before them and His appearance would indeed be altered in the sight and presence of the three disciples. What’s more is that Jesus’ appearance would be that of the sun shining in all its strength—much like I would imagine Moses when he came down from the mountain after spending forty days and forty nights in the presence of the living God and his face shone with the glory of God. There atop the mountain Jesus would be transfigured before and in the presence of these three disciples and there would appear speaking with Him Moses and Elijah. What’s more is that there atop the mountain the voice of the Father would speak from the midst of the cloud which overshadowed Peter, James and John together with Jesus and would once again profess Him to be His eternal and only begotten Son. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the Synoptic gospels beginning to read with and from the seventeenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew:

 

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here:  if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only” (Matthew 17:1-8).

 

“And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves” (Mark 9:2-8).

 

“And it came to pass a bout an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistening. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moss, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen” (Luke 9:28-36).

 

The words which are found here in these passages of Scripture are completely and utterly fascinating when you consider them for contained therein is the account of the transfiguration of Jesus atop the mountain. What’s more is that there atop the mountain—not only was Jesus transfigured and His appearance altered but He would appear speaking in that glory together with Moses and Elijah speaking of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. There atop the mountain there would be a brilliant cloud that would overshadow Peter, James and John together with Jesus and a voice would speak from the cloud and declare that Jesus was the eternal and only begotten Son. The Father would not echo what He had spoken at the Jordan River—namely that He was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased—however He added a command this time. It was this time when the Father spoke from heaven and professed Jesus to be His only begotten Son and then gave the command to hear Him. This is something which requires and warrants strong consideration upon our part for this would be the second time when the Father would indeed speak from heaven and proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as being His beloved Son. Two times now the voice of the Father would speak from heaven and would proclaim that Jesus was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. How absolutely wonderful and incredible this truly is when you take the time to consider it for Jesus would be declared to the Son of God and the Son of the Highest by the angel Gabriel and twice he would be declared of the Father to be His beloved Son. Taking this even further there is a great need for us to recognize and pay attention to the words which John the Baptist would speak unto those who walked with, followed and listened to him. There is a great need for us to recognize this for here we have John the Baptist—the prophetic and Messianic forerunner and messenger of the Messiah—emphatically proclaiming that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Son of the living God. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the first and opening chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John and this wonderful declaration of John the Baptist:

 

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I. knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34).

 

Thus far we have witnessed and observed the angel Gabriel proclaim Jesus as being the Son of the Highest and the Son of God, we have observed the Father Himself proclaiming Jesus to being His beloved Son, and now we are find John the Baptist proclaiming and professing Jesus as being the Son of God. In all reality you should be noticing a pattern and theme here as Jesus was indeed the Christ and He was indeed the Messiah, however, He was the eternal and beloved Son of the Father which was in heaven. Jesus was proclaimed by the angel Gabriel to be the Son of God and He was proclaimed by the Father to be the beloved Son and throughout those three and a half years of public ministry Jesus would be proclaimed as the Son of the living God. John the Baptist would be the first to publicly proclaim and profess Jesus as being the Son of the living God, however, there were other times when certain individuals would also proclaim and profess Jesus as being the Son of the living God. It is these events and accounts we must needs turn and direct our attention to next for they call and draw our focus to those men and women who realized, recognized and understood that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God. Throughout those three and a half years there were men and women who recognized and acknowledge and confessed that Jesus was the Son of God—something that would indeed come as a direct result of personal revelation from the Father which was in heaven and beholding the events surrounding the Messiah. Consider now if you will the following words which are found in these passages of Scripture as they bring us face to face with the wonderful declarations concerning Jesus as being the Son of the living God:

 

“The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom M ones in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of JOpseh. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:43-51).

 

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loos on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20).

 

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:66-71).

 

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him” (John 11:23-29).

 

            “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children” (Matthew 27:51-56).

 

            It is absolutely necessary for us to recognize and pay attention to these passages of Scripture for within them we find Simon called Peter making two declarations of Jesus that He was the Son of the living God—and not only that He was the Son of the living God but also that He was the Christ. What’s more is that we find Nathanael proclaiming that Jesus was the Son of God shortly after John the Baptist would exclaim and proclaim that Jesus was the Son of God. What’s more is that even Martha the sister of Mary and Lazarus would emphatically declare that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God. As if this weren’t enough the Roman soldier at the site of the cross at Calvary would declare that Jesus truly was the Son of the living God—and not only the centurion but those who were with him. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for all of these passages point us directly to the reality that Jesus is indeed the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. WE must needs understand and recognize that Jesus is indeed the Christ and the Messiah, however, He is also the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. It is this particular truth pertaining to Jesus being the eternal Son of the Father that draws and calls our attention to the fact that our relationship to the Father must needs exist along those same lines. We have indeed and have in fact been called to be sons and daughters of the living God if we have believed on Him, if we have confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believed with our heart that God raised Him from the dead. Jesus came to the earth as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God and it was and is precisely because He did so that we who believe can indeed be called the sons of the living God. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John, the first chapter of the same as well as the first epistle written by the same apostle unto the saints which were at Ephesus:

 

            “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do k now, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:1-21).

 

            “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made ready by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:1-18).

 

            “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:1-11).

 

            It is quite obvious from the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John as well as the words which are found in the third chapter of the first epistle written by the same author that for those who have believed upon Jesus of Nazareth—it is they who have been given power to become the sons of the living God. In the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find it being declared that as many as received Him [Him being Jesus] it was unto them that He gave power to become the sons of God—even those who believe on His name. In other words it was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father who has authority and power in Himself to cause those who believe to become sons of the Father. In fact it is this particular principle that is found within the Lord’s Prayer as the first and opening words of the prayer were simply “Our Father.” It would be in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ that we are in fact given power to be and are united to become the sons of God—and not only the sons of God but also the children of the most High God. This is something which warrants strong consideration on our part as it brings us face to face with the truly wonderful reality of our being invited and our being called to become the sons of God—those who have received Jesus as the Christ and Lord and as those who have believed on Him with their hearts. It is this particular reality that strikes at the very heart of that which is found in the eighth chapter of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome.

 

            The more you read the words which are found in the eighth chapter of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome the more you can and will be brought face to face with this inheritance we have as the saints, servants and sons of the living God. We must needs make absolutely no mistake about it for we have have in fact been called to be saints, servants and sons of the living God. The apostle Paul made it perfectly clear in this chapter that there is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus—those who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. This is something we must needs recognize and pay attention to for we as the saints of God have indeed been called to be those who recognize that we have been called to a life of an inheritance in Christ—an inheritance that makes us joint-heirs together with Jesus Christ who is the heir of the eternal and living God. There is a great need for us as the saints of God to recognize the life into which we have been called for we have been called to live a life that is completely and entirely separated and set apart from the world and from the things of the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. We have been seated with Christ in heavenly places and have been given an inheritance that is incorruptible in the eyes of the living God. We have been called to become sons of the living God and have been called to be those who have our inheritance in the person of Jesus who is both Christ and Lord. Within this epistle the apostle Paul emphatically began by proclaiming that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and would conclude it with an even greater statement of the inheritance we have indeed been given as the saints, servants and sons of the living God. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous reality of the inheritance that has been made available to and for those who believe. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the eighth chapter of this epistles beginning to read with and from the twenty-eighth verse of the chapter:

 

            “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknowledge, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom. He justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be fore us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are account as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:28-39).

 

            Consider also the words which are found in the first and second chapters of the New Testament epistle which was written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Ephesus concerning this glorious inheritance which we have been given by God in and through the person of His eternal and only begotten Son:

 

            “Blelssed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:3-14).

 

            “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our. Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:15-23).

 

            “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:1-10).

 

            “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our placed who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builder together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:11-22).

 

            With all of this being said it is absolutely necessary that we recognize and understand the incredible significance of our being men and women who live after the Spirit rather than those who live after the flesh. The apostle Paul emphatically declared that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus—those who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Thus the apostle Paul declared that it is possible to live our lives without and apart from condemnation, however, living our lives without and apart from condemnation requires us to first be in Christ Jesus, to secondly walk not after the flesh and thirdly to walk after the Spirit. Moreover the apostles Paul goes on to declare that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. The law which was given unto Moses was unable to make us holy and righteous in the sight of the living God in that it was weak through the flesh, however, God sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for in condemned sin in the flesh that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. With this being said the apostle Paul goes on to once more speak of the need to be such who do not walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The apostle Paul writes that those who are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh while those that are after the Spirit do mind the things of the Spirit. Thus with these words the apostle Paul highlights and underscores the incredible truth that there is this powerful internal conflict that is present within us—a conflict that does not exist between flesh and blood but between flesh and the Spirit. Important to note in this life is that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against rulers of darkness, against spiritual wickedness and the like. Moreover we must needs acknowledge that in this life we not only fight against principalities, spiritual wickedness and rulers of darkness but we also fight against the flesh which is sinful, corrupt and immoral within our hearts and lives. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Ephesus as well as the words which are found in the tenth chapter of the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth. I also invite you to consider the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of this New Testament epistle as well as the words which are found in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Philippi:

 

            “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereof unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly, to make k own the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:10-19).

 

            “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: but I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against stone, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For through we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:1-6).

 

            “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not u Nader the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:1-14).

 

            “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:15-23).

 

            “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  But, if while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Romans 2:11-21).