(Part 2 in a series)
Apparently my perspective about my Brazilian permanent resident status is distinctively my own. In an unceremonious moment this summer, my Brazilian resident ID card is scheduled to expire. My viewpoint is that not only is it in Brazil's economic interest for them to extend my permanent visa indefinitely, but I want to maintain the flexibility of being able to visit or immigrate to Brazil at will.
Brazil's perception is different. If I am not living in Brazil when my ID card expires, the relationship is terminated regardless of what I might think. When it comes to governments and individuals, nations unilaterally determine their policies toward foreigners.
When it comes to having a relationship with God, the crux of the matter revolves around who God perceives as his own, not the audacious claims we might make. Scripture reveals God unilaterally and consistently employing his same principle for determining whom he recognizes as belonging to him.
God viewed Abram and his descendants as belonging to him because through his mercy he had chosen them by promising to Abram: "I will establish my covenant ... to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."/1 Later, recalling the covenant God had extended by grace to Israel on Mt. Sinai as well as its renewal on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, the prophet Ezekiel announced God's perspective toward Israel: "I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, and you became mine."/2 Similarly, speaking through Jeremiah, God reminded Israel that in order for him to perceive them as his people required her to fulfill the conditions of the covenant./3 Looking forward to the future from that prophetic stance, God similarly foretold of a new covenant through which he would promise: "I will be their God and they will be my people. ... I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."/4 Jesus was fully aware his death would establish this new covenant./5 In his death Jesus created God's new covenant making it possible for all the peoples of the world to belong to God and to be saved./6
When the Bible is scoured asking the question, "who does God recognize as belonging to him," the biblical framework of covenant clearly and cleanly arises out of the text. For us to avoid theologically misconstruing who God recognizes as his own, the discussion must be grounded upon God's call to humanity through covenant. Whatever principles might be involved in becoming a child of God today are totally dependent upon this larger framework of covenant.
If we strive to look through God's eyes at whether he perceives us as his children, the right questions we need to be asking are: What means, conditions or principles has God determined for entering into the new covenant Jesus created? Have we responded appropriately?
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2006
1/ Genesis 17:7
2/ Ezekiel 16:8; Exodus 19:5,6; Deuteronomy 29:12,13
3/ Jeremiah 11:3,4
4/ Jeremiah 31:31,33,34
5/ Matthew 26:28
6/ Hebrews 9:15 (8:8-12); Ephesians 2:12-13
The first article in this series is: The Need For Redirecting the Discussion
The last article in this series is: The Blindspot of Christendom: The Context of Faith.
Other Articles Which Might Be of Interest
When God Says, "You Belong to Me" (Very similar to the above article)Do You Know Who Your Spouse Is? (Identity Issues - "Who is a Christian?")
The Marks of Those Born of God (A Study in 1 John)
God is Fair ... Good News, Bad News & Great News