5 Essentials to be a Child of God
Does the Word of God say, anyone who simply says that they believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, will be saved – become a child of God? No, not at all.
Sharing a few basic verses to understand what the Word of God is saying about what it means to be a child of God.
Confess, and Believe, that Jesus, is the only God
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9, 10
Simply believing cannot save anyone. A confession is necessary, corroborated with a lifestyle of Faith with Works. Even though the devil believes that Jesus is God, we know where he is going eventually. The heart needs to be transformed by an initial encounter with Jesus or His Word.
Obedience
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1 Peter 1:14
When we are born into this world, we consume ourselves in worldliness.
When we are born again, we need to pursue Holiness. God is Holy, He desires us to be Holy.
If Jesus is not our reason for every season, then our ignorance of who He is will make us go back to worldliness.
Be a Peacemaker
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). As obedient followers of Jesus, not only should our hearts be always at peace, but also make peace with others. A peacemaker is also a holy person (Hebrews 12:14)
Stay Away From Idolatry
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:21
God hates idolatry. Idolatry is not just about creating structures of stones or earthly matter to worship. It refers to loving anyone or anything more than Jesus. Jesus is Life. If He is the only way to heaven, it makes the most sense to give ourselves up for Him. Above all the pleasures of the earth, including slavery to careers or jobs, or any earthly passion.
Have No Malice
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Intent matters. Good intentions mostly bear great results. How beautiful it would be for all of us to just get along with ourselves without having to get at each other’s necks. It might be more convincing to believe that it’s impossible to live without compromising values. God thinks otherwise. When we learn to trust in Him, He sees us through no matter what the cost. God's hope is pure, devoid of carnal inclinations. His hope will prepare us for His soon coming.