Clothed in Christ

Galatians 3:26-4:7

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 (NIV)

Becoming a child of God is dependent upon faith in Jesus. There isn’t a known number of people who will be saved (Romans 11:25) but there is a time when no more will be let into God’s house. This is seen in some of the parables given by Jesus. Until that time, however, all who have faith are children of God! We will know when times up – it will be very obvious.

Baptism in water is the human testimony of being “clothed in Christ.” Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the Spirit’s testimony on your behalf. Nationality, economic status, and gender do not matter to God. Belonging to Christ is all a person needs to be given access to the promised eternity with Christ. You are part of Abraham’s seed and heirs to the throne.

Christ is the guardian of the promise and the Holy Spirit acts as the trustee to that promise with His presence in our lives. Together we wait for the day when the inheritance is given.

Jesus came to lay the foundation for faith. Jesus put a personal touch on salvation because He put Himself in out place. He walked in our shoes to give us a place to lay our faith.

God did not finish there. He also sends the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. Listen to the work of the Spirit:

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6 (NIV)

Look also at Romans 8:15:

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 (NIV)

In our hearts, the Holy Spirit calls out the name of God. He is constantly pointing us to the Father. Oh, to all who listen and hear!

To each in faith, He names us as children and named us as an heir. This is a great reason to be redeemed from under the law. We have full rights under God’s grace. No one can take that away from us.

• Do you recognize the work of the Spirit in your life?
• When is the last time you called upon God as the Abba or Father?
• Are you waiting for the return of Christ as if today would be that day? How would you change your lifestyle if you did?