Jesus is the model for those who follow him. Many descriptions of Jesus also apply to those who are in Christ. Numerous statements pertaining to Jesus also pertain to his followers.
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1. Like Jesus, we are to be one with the Father
Not only did Jesus say, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), he prayed to the Father for those that are his disciples, “that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:11) and for those who will believe through their word, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us” (John 17:21) and, “that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one.” (John 17:22-23)
Saying “I and the Father are one” is equivalent to saying “the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” (John 10:30 + John 14:10) While Jesus prayed for us to all be one he also prayed for us to be in the Father saying, “just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us.” (John 17:21) And, “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one.” (John 17:22-23) Earlier in John, when Jesus speaks of the day when the Holy Spirit will be given, he alludes to the same sense of oneness when he said, “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. (John 14:20) The concept of the Father being in us and us being in the Father is also a major theme of the first epistle of John. The following verses in 1 John shed further light on how the author wants us to understand this concept of being one:
- Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. (1John 2:24)
- And now, little children, abide in him… everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. (1John 2:28-29)
- And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. (1John 3:23-24)
- No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. (1John 4:12)
- By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. (1John 4:13)
- So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1John 4:16)
It is in this context that we should understand what Jesus meant in John 14:9-11 when he said, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” So we see that Jesus was not claiming to be God but was claiming to be “one with the Father” as a servant and representative of God. In the same sense that Jesus was “one with the Father,” we are to be “one with the Father”. The Father is to be in us in the same sense that the Father was in Christ. We are to be in the Father in the same sense that Jesus was in the Father. God our Father, Jesus, and us—we are all to be in each other. (John 17:21) We are all to be perfectly one. (John 17:23)
John 10:27-30 (ESV), I and the Father are One
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
John 10:35-38 (ESV), The Father is in me and I am in the Father
35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
John 17:11 (ESV), That they may be one, even as we are one
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
John 17:20-23 (ESV), That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they might also be in us
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
1 John 2:24 (ESV), If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father
24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
1 John 2:28-29 (ESV), Abide in him – everyone who practices righteousness
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
1 John 3:23-24 (ESV), By this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit
23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
1 John 4:12-16 (ESV), If we love one another, God abides in us
12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Additional Notes
The gospel of John was written you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. (1John 5:1) We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. (1John 4:14-15)
John 20:30-31 (ESV), That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
1 John 5:1 (ESV), Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
1 John 4:14-15 (ESV), Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
2. Like Jesus, we are sent into the world
Jesus referred to himself as one “sent into the world.” (John 10:36) but also said, when praying to the Father, “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18) We understand that being sent into the world is being raised up as a servant of God and being sent out into ministry (Acts 3:22-26).
John 10:36 (ESV), Whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world
36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
John 17:18 (ESV), As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world
18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
Acts 3:22-26 (ESV), God having raised up his servant, sent him to you first.
22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
3. Like Jesus, we are not of this world
Jesus stated, “I am not of the world” (John 8:23, John 10:36) but also said of his followers, “you are not of this world” (John 15:19) and “they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:14) when praying to the Father.
John 8:23 (ESV), I am not of this world
He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
John 17:14 (ESV), They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
John 15:19 (ESV), You are not of the world – therefore the world hates you
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
4. Like Jesus, we may be filled with all the fullness of God
Paul wrote, “in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Col 1:19) and “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col 2:9). But Paul also wrote that he bowed his knees before the Father (in prayer) that, “according to the riches of his glory, he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Eph 3:16) and “to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Eph 3:19)
Colossians 1:19 (ESV), In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV), In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily
9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
Ephesians 3:14,16,19 (ESV), That you may be filled with all the fullness of God
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father… 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
5. Like Jesus, we may become the image of God
Paul refers to the “gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Cor 4:3-6). Paul also refers to Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Col 1:15) The context of these verses pertains to the gospel in which the Father has “qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” through which the Father has “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” (Col 1:12-15) The gospel thus provides the means for us to be presented “holy and blameless and above reproach before him.” (Col 1:21-22) Paul later says in Colossians, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory” and says to “put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Col 3:1-10) Indeed, God predestined us to be “conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first born among many brothers” and “those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Rom 8:29-30). “As is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven—Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Cor 15:48-49) “We all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (2 Cor 3:17-18) These references reveal to us that the “gospel of the glory of Christ” is the good news that we can be redeemed and transformed into the same image of Christ, who has been glorified and is the image of God. (1 Cor 4:3-6, Col 1:12-15)
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (ESV), Glory of Christ, who is the image of God
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:12-15 (ESV), He is the image of the invisible God
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Colossians 1:21-22 (ESV), To present you holy and blameless and above reproach
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him
Colossians 3:1-10 (ESV), You will appear with him in glory- put on the new self – being renewed after the image of its creator
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Romans 8:29-30 (ESV), He predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
1 Corinthians 15:48-49 (ESV), We shall also bear the image of the man of heaven
48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV), We are being transformed into the same image
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
6. Like Jesus, we share in the glory that God had planned from the beginning of creation
Jesus said, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’ (John 8:54) and he asked of the Father, “Glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” (John 17:5) However, Jesus praying to God said, “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one” (John 17:22) “so that the world may know that you loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:23) The suffering of this present time is not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us—the revealing of the sons of God (Rom 8:18-19). The secret and hidden wisdom of God is what God decreed before the ages for our glory (1 Cor 2:6-7). Those who will be saved are vessels of mercy, which God prepared beforehand for glory (Rom 9:22-24). When Christ who is our life appears, then we shall also appear with him in glory (Col 3:4). In Christ, we have obtained an inheritance according to God’s purpose for the fullness of time (Eph 1:11). We are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10) The manifold wisdom of God is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph 3:9-11).
John 8:54 (ESV), It is my Father who glorifies me
Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’
John 17:1-5 (ESV) , Glorify me with the glory that I had with you before the world existed
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
John 17:22-23 (ESV), The glory that you have given me I have given to them
22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Romans 8:18-21 (ESV), The glory that is to be revealed to us – the freedom of the glory of the children of God
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (ESV), Wisdom which God decreed before the ages for our glory
6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
Romans 9:22-24 (ESV), Vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory
22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?
Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV), You also will appear with him in glory
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Ephesians 1:9-11 (ESV), In him we have obtained an inheritance
9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV), We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 3:9-11 (ESV), Through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known
9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord
7. Like Jesus, we are loved and blessed from the foundation of the world
Jesus prayed, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24). And he also says, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matt 25:34) God has not destined us for wrath, but that we might receive adoption as sons (1 Thes 5:9-10, Gal 4:4-5). No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Cor 2:7-9) All things work for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28-29, Eph 1:3-5). God saved us and called us to a holy calling because of his purpose and grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began (2 Tim 1:8-10). Jesus was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for our sake (1 Peter 1:20). The saints are those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev 13:5-8).
John 17:22-26 (ESV), You loved me before the foundation of the world
22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Matthew 25:34 (ESV), Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (ESV), God has destined us to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.”
Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV), So that we might receive adoption as sons
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
1 Corinthians 2:7-9 (ESV), No heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him
7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV), We know that for those who love God all things work together for good
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Ephesians 1:3-5 (ESV), In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”
2 Timothy 1:8-10 (ESV), Grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began
“God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 1:20 (ESV), He was foreknown, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.
Revelation 13:5-8 (KJV), The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
8. Like Jesus, we are sons of God through the resurrection
Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.” (Rom 1:4, Acts 13:32-35) Jesus, said regarding the coming kingdom, “but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead … are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:35-36) Creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God and we groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom 8:18-23, Rom 9:22-26, Eph 1:3-5) According to God’s purpose, he predestined Christ to be the firstborn among many brothers, so that we would be conformed to the images of his Son. (Rom 8:28-29)
Luke 20:34-36 (ESV), Sons of God, being sons of the resurrection
34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
Acts 13:32-35 (ESV), The good news – he has fulfilled to us by raising Jesus
32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ 34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ 35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, “‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’
Romans 1:1-4 (ESV), He was declared to be the Son of God in power – by his resurrection from the dead
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord
Romans 8:18-23 (ESV), Creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV), That he might be the firstborn among many brothers
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 9:22-26 (ESV), They will be called ‘sons of the living God’
22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” 26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
Ephesians 1:3-5 (ESV), In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will
9. Like Jesus, we are sons of God by the Spirit of God
Jesus considered himself to be the Son of God. In the Law, they were called gods to whom the word of God came. (John 10:35-36). Jesus was merely claiming to be the Son of God, although the Father sent him into the world and was doing the works of the Father. (John 10:37) In a similar sense, it says in Romans, “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God… you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”” (Rom 8:14-15) and the Spirit “bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” (Rom 8:16-17). “We know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Rom 8:29)
Luke 3:21-22 (ESV), You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Romans 8:14-17 (ESV), All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:22-23 (ESV), We who have the firstfruits of the Spirit – wait eagerly for adoption as sons
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV), God has given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (ESV), That what is mortal may be swallowed up by life-God has given us the Spirit as a guarantee
1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV), Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
John 3:3-8 (ESV), Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
1 John 4:13 (ESV), We abide in him – because he has given us of his Spirit
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
10. Like Jesus, we are anointed by the Spirit of God
Jesus proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me.” (Luke 4:18) Indeed, God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power—he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him, (Acts 10:38) In a similar way those who come after Christ receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them (Acts 1:8, Acts 4:31). Like Jesus, our ministry is to be attested in power and in the Holy Spirit (1 Thess 1:5, Rom 15:19, 1 Cor 2:4-5). We are anointed by God. (2 Cor 1:21-22, 1 John 2:20)
Luke 4:18-19 (ESV), The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Acts 1:4-8 (ESV), You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you
4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:22 (ESV), Attested by God with mighty works and wonders that God did through him
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know
Acts 10:37-39 (ESV), God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power
37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
Acts 4:24-31 (ESV), They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness
24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (ESV), Our gospel came in power and in the Holy Spirit
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.
Romans 15:18-19 (ESV), By the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God
18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV), In demonstration of the Spirit and of power
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV), God has anointed us, and has given us his Spirit in or hearts
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
1 John 2:20 (ESV), You have been anointed by the Holy One
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
11. We die, are buried, and are raised with Christ
We die, are buried, and are raised with Christ: We are to take up our cross and follow Christ. (Matthew 16:24) Through repentance, we have died to sin and the elemental spirits of the world. (Col 2:20) Those of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death (Rom 6:3) We were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:4) We believe that if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Rom 6:5-11, Col 2:12-13, Col 3:1-4)
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV), Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Luke 14:25-27 (ESV), Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple
25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Romans 6:1-11 (ESV), All who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death
1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 2:11-14 (ESV), Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him
11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV), With Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV), You have been raised with Christ – For you have died
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
12. Jesus is the firstborn of many brothers—who will inherit the Kingdom—priests to his God and Father
Jesus said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:19-21). If we are in his flock, it is the Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32-34). Jesus will assign his followers a kingdom as the Father assigned to him a kingdom, that they may sit on thrones judging the tribes. (Luke 22:28-30) We should walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls us into his own kingdom and glory (1 Thes 2:12). He foreknew and predestined us to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Rom 8:29). Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, in that God has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son (Col 1:13-15).
Since he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source, Jesus is not ashamed to refer to those sons who are called to glory as brothers (Heb 2:11). Jesus had to be made like his brothers in every respect so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God (Heb 2:17). God has chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him (Jam 2:5). Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, has made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father (Rev 1:4-6). He ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth (Rev 5:9-10). Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years (Rev 20:6).
Luke 8:19-21 (ESV), My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it
19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
Luke 12:32-34 (ESV), It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 22:28-30 (ESV), I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 (ESV), God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory
we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Romans 8:28-30 (ESV), In order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Colossians 1:13-15 (ESV), He has transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Hebrews 2:10-18 (ESV), He is not ashamed to call them brothers
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
James 2:5 (ESV), God chosen those who are poor to be heirs of the kingdom
5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
Revelation 1:4-6 (ESV), Made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.
Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV), You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God
9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
Revelation 20:6 (ESV), They will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him
6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
