(b) Give two implications of the doctrine of Sonship of God for Christians. [6 marks]
Explanation
Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-7: (a)
(i) Every man was under the law, kept under restraint until faith was revealed.
(ii) The law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith.
(iii) Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian (the law): for in Christ Jesus we are all sons of God, through faith.
(iv) The teaching implies that Christians owe their sonship to God through Jesus.
v) Who reconciled believers to God through faith.
(vi) Through baptism, the believer in Christ has put on Christ, a believer becomes one in Christ Jesus whether Jew or Gentile.
(vii) Now Christ's, believers are Abraham's children, heirs according to promise and not according to the law.
(viii) As a young heir, remains under guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.
(ix) So, believers, as babies, were formerly slaves to the elemental spirits of the world.
(x) At the appointed time, God sent forth his son, born of a woman, born under the law, so that believers might receive adoption as sons.
(xi) Now that Christians are adopted as sons, God has sent the spirit of His son into their hearts so they boldly call God 'Father'.
(xii) Hence, through God, Paul explained, Christians are no longer slaves but sons, and if sons, then heirs.
(b) Implications of the doctrine:
(i) The doctrine of sonship implies that a Christian is no longer alien to the household of God, but a bonafide member of the Kingdom of God through Christ.
(ii) A Christian today is part of the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham who was told that his children would be like the stars in the sky. He, therefore, stands to share the blessings of Abraham.
(iii) The Son of God has redeemed believers and reconciled them to God. He had given them the privilege to share with him the right of inheritance of God's eternal glory.
(iv) They now have every right to approach the Father at all times for whatever needs may arise and be assured of his presence and help.
(vi) With the Spirit of His Son in them, they also share the victory, which "Christ has won over Satan and the world.
(vii) All Christians are without any discrimination.
