Galatians 3:26
26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Truth to Learn
We who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are given a legal status of inheritors of God, not because of adherence to a set of rules, but because of faith.
Behind the Words
The word translated “sons” is a form of the Greek word “huios” which refers to an offspring or a descendent. It is different from the Greek word “teknon,” which refers to a child, in that “huios” generally refers to a legally grown son who no longer needs a pedagogue and is now in a position to inherit.
The term “sons,” though a masculine pronoun, is used in this case in the generic sense of children (male and female).
Meaning Explained
If you read the preceding verses carefully you will notice that Paul had been using the first person pronouns “we,” “our,” and “us” but he now changes to “you.” The use of the first person pronouns was a reference to those who were under the condemnation and guidance of the law (Jews). Though they were direct descendents of Abraham, they couldn’t inherit the promises. The change to “you” (second person plural) is specifically a reference to those who are of the faith, that is, Christians. We are God’s grown children.
The Jews believed that because they were direct descendents of Abraham, they were in a privileged position with God. But though they are descendents of Abraham, they were still under the guardianship of the Law. They were, in a sense, spiritual minors, not yet “of age.” But Christians, rather than being sons of Abraham, are sons of God according to Paul. And not mere descendents, but legally mature inheritors. We don’t need a pedagogue to lead us to the truth because we now believe the truth.
The distinction will become more apparent in the next chapter of this letter where Paul will tell us:
Galatians 4:1, 2 1Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.
Those who are under the Law of Moses are little children, no different that a slave. But we, as sons of God, are now in a privileged position that allows us to inherit the promises of God.
Granted, there are a lot of Christians who aren’t very mature spiritually. But in God’s legal system we Christians are all grown-up children who can legally inherit from our Father.
So What?
The world often uses the term “children of God” in reference to all of mankind. In God’s record book, however, only those who have their sins paid for, through faith in Jesus Christ, are true children of His.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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