The Apostles' Creed - Pt. 4

 

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (Galatians 4:1-7 ESV).

 

As we continue with the first declaration, notice it clearly defines God as “Father Almighty.” Sometimes people say, “We are all God’s children.” And, it’s true that God made us all. That’s why we call God our Father. However, there is a very important distinction to this belief in God as “our Father almighty.” Remember that it is Jesus who is the second person of the Trinity. He is God’s “one and only Son” (cf. John 1:14; 3:16). This underscores Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father. But through Jesus, and by belief in God’s power to save us through him, we too are God’s children (cf. John 1:12-13).

 

As the apostle Paul explains in our reading today, “God sent his Son”—that is, Jesus—to save us because we were cut off from God. We were separated from God because of our sin. But now, through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we can be adopted as God’s children. And we can enjoy all the rights and privileges of belonging to God the Father as his heirs” (v. 7).

 

Confessing “I believe in God the Father” should flood our hearts with praise and thanksgiving as we remember this. God, in his great mercy, has forgiven all our sins and made us his children. This should also give us great comfort. Surely God, who did not spare his only Son, will spare nothing to watch over and keep us, his children. And, as both the child and heir of God Almighty, there is none more powerful than we are. No wonder should arise in us as we tell the devil to flee from us. He is terrified of our Father! There is nothing impossible for Him; there is nothing too great or complex for His restorative work of grace; there is no failure or sin so horrible that we can be separated from His love and mercy. We are God’s child and heir to all of creation. Whatever you face today, whatever darkness confronts you, you are His child and He is your Father!