Today begins a series of blogs coinciding with "who I am in Christ" statements taken from Freedom in Christ Ministries. The free downloadable statements can be found here.

• I am God's Child

John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God"

Jesus is called many things in John's gospel such as the Word (John 1:1), the light (John 8:12) and the door (John 10:9). Each of these refers to some characteristic of Jesus. s the Word, Jesus is God's communication to us. His life, His actions - especially His death on the cross for us) and His teachings all communicate to the world a message from God; namely that He loves us and has provided in Jesus a way to save us from our sin.

Therefore, to "receive" Christ is to receive that Word; to trust it by faith and to act upon it by accepting Christ's substitutionary work on the cross as paying the price for one's own personal sin and providing for one's salvation.

Similarly, to "believe in His name" (the name Jesus means "The Lord is Salvation") is to abandon any self reliance or self-righteousness based on our works (see Ephesians 2:8-9) and wholly trust in Jesus Christ as our own personal savior.

When we do that, according to John 1:12-13 (above) we are given the "right" to become the children of God. The word "right" can also be translated as power or authority. It speaks of a legal standing; the same as a human adoption. This is not then just some nice thought. It means that God assumes the responsibilities of a parent for us; to protect us from harm and provide for our needs.

Being God's child also speaks of a wonderful, personal, and close relationship. Not the faulty imperfect relationship between a human parent and child, but one where God thinks and acts toward us perfect and unconditional love, compassion and affection. One where God relates to us in perfect wisdom, guiding us, encouraging us, and, when needed, disciplining us (Hebrews 12:6). And all in all, in His sovereignty, God works all things together for our good (Roman 8:28) - in our best interest.

According to God's word, as His children we are accepted, dearly loved, and "legally" adopted by the most incredible Father ever!!