Theory question 111
New Life in Christ(a) Explain Paul's teaching that Christians are children of God through Christ. (b) Give three implications of this doctrine of sonship of God.
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(a) In Christ Jesus all are sons of God through faith (Galatians 3:26).
Those baptised into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).
All are one in Christ — no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female (Galatians 3:28).
Belonging to Christ makes them Abraham's offspring and heirs (Galatians 3:29).
Before, like minor heirs, they were slaves to the elemental spirits (Galatians 4:1-3).
God sent His Son to redeem those under the law that they might receive adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
God sent the Spirit of His Son into their hearts crying "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6).
So they are no longer slaves but sons and heirs (Galatians 4:7).
(b) Any three: equality of all believers; freedom from slavery to sin and the law; holy living worthy of God's children; assurance of inheritance and eternal life; confident access to God in prayer; love for fellow believers as family.
Explain Galatians 3:26–4:7, then three implications.