Answers
By BGEA Admin • August 26, 2023 • Topics: Salvation
Q:
Often I hear people say—incorrectly—that we are all God’s children, but the Bible doesn’t say this, but rather that we are all God’s creation. Therefore, I assume that God’s promises are not for everyone but only for those who follow Him as their Lord and Savior. Is there a Bible passage that clarifies this?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
The Bible says, “Those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God” (Romans 9:8). The Bible also declares to the sinner who humbles himself before the Lord, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
The Bible is God’s book of promises, and, unlike the books of men, it does not change or get out of date. From one end of the Bible to the other, God assures us that He will never go back on His promises, and these promises are made real to us through saving faith in Christ alone. It is a personal and individual decision that God empowers when a person repents of sin against Him and receives Jesus as Savior and Lord.
We are living in an age of grace, in which God promises that “whosoever will” may come to Him. Becoming God’s children opens up His promises to us, assuring us that He is with us as we abide in Him, and His Spirit takes up residence in our lives.
But this doesn’t mean that life will be easy and without trouble and difficulties. He never promises that life will be perfect. There is no greater strength, no greater assurance that He is with us, and in us, when we go forth in battle equipped and nourished by His instruction and determined to stand firm on His promises.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
