It’s so precious that Abba will lead many sons to glory. He has predestined us to glory.
Let’s read Romans 8. Verse 14 reads, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” It’s so precious that not only do we have the Bible, but we also have God’s Spirit living in us and leading us.
Verse 15 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
The Israelites were slaves in the land of Egypt. But God said that Israel was His son, His firstborn. It’s so precious that we have not merely received the title of a son, but we have been born again. The Holy Spirit and the Lord both live in us. They declare the Father’s name. Since we have received the Spirit as sons, our spirits are no longer the same. That’s why it’s very natural for us to cry “Abba.” When there is nobody else around, I enjoy crying aloud, “Abba.”
Let’s continue the passage. Romans 8:16-17: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs —heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
On earth, children will receive an inheritance from their fathers. Receiving an earthly inheritance is painful because that means our loved ones have passed away. But our Abba is the eternal God, and we are His heirs! Man has a fixed number of possessions, but Abba is able to create more things and newer things. How unsearchable are His riches! Also, we are fellow heirs with Christ!
Think about it, what will Abba give to the Lord? It’s so precious that we are fellow heirs with Christ. If I were to enjoy the inheritance by myself, my joy would not be full. But it’s so precious that we can all be co-heirs with the Lord. Isn’t that joyous!? Both the Book of Galatians and Romans mention that we will inherit the world. 1 Corinthians chapter 3 says that all things are ours, because the Lord inherits all things and He wants us to share His glory and His all.
I can say that I have gone through thick and thin together with the Lord for my whole life. None of the afflictions are in vain. It refines us into fine gold, and it is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corin 4:17)
Let’s read Romans 8:28. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
So when we love Him and obey His words, all things will work together for good. What’s happening in Hong Kong right now is working together for good. I hope that in the midst of it all, we can enjoy the Lord more and spend more leisure time drawing near to Him. Moreover, we should see that He’s coming quickly, and we should redeem the time and use our time wisely. The most important thing is to draw near to Him and experience Him, for from our hearts flow the springs of life. Only He can cause our spirits to rise up.
Romans 8:29 reads, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
God’s expectations and plan for us are the most glorious. He even wants us to be like His Son, and this includes the spiritual aspect. One day when the Lord comes to receive us, our bodies will be transformed into His glorious likeness. There’s nothing more precious than being like Him. The Lord is the firstborn and we are the assembly of the firstborn. He is unique among the firstborn; you can say He is “the firstborn of the firstborn”. It’s so precious that He is not ashamed to call us brothers, and we are united with the Lord. The Lord is the most unique firstborn, but we have also become the firstborn.
Speaking of the firstborn, we realized that the firstborn receives the greatest portions of the blessings. For example, in the old testament times, the firstborn would receive a double portion of the inheritance. I’ve also mentioned briefly how the firstborn is related to the priesthood as well as the kingship. Also, back then, if the father was not around or had passed away, the firstborn would be like the head of the household. If it was a big family, the firstborn would become the head of the whole family. The Bible says the firstborn “is the firstfruits of his strength.” (Deut 21;17) The firstborn is generally more mature than his younger siblings and he understands their parents more. So, since the firstborn receives a bigger inheritance, he should be a greater blessing to the family and bear more responsibility. It’s so precious that Abba has given us this position, which is the greatest blessing. He also wants us to bless others more, whether in this life, in the new millennium, or throughout eternity. Hence, there’s a reason why the firstborn is blessed.