Sons of God

Thesis: To teach the hearers who are the true “sons of God” and what that phrase entails.

Text: John 8:31-44; Gen 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Mt 5:9; Luke 20:36; Rom 8:14, 19; Gal 3:26

Joh 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

Joh 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Joh 8:33 They answered him, "We are offspring (seed) of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

Joh 8:35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.

Joh 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Joh 8:37 I know that you are offspring (seed) of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you.

Joh 8:38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father."

Joh 8:39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did,

Joh 8:40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did.

Joh 8:41 You are doing the works your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God."

Joh 8:42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.

Joh 8:43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word.

Joh 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Introduction,

1. There is great confusion in the so called Christian world today.

1. Everyone is teaching and believing something different concerning God’s will for man.

1. Yet the bible, that which is God’s all sufficient (2 Pet 1:3) inspired instruction book (2 Tim 3:16-17) for mankind, clearly makes some simple, plain and straightforward statements, which most neglect today.

1. It states that there is but one Faith, not many (Eph 4:5).

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

1. It states that that the Faith was completely delivered in the 1^st century (Jude 3); it wasn’t to be an ever evolving system.

Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.

1. It states that the Faith was to be contended for (Jude 3), because it would be attempted to be compromised by false teachers and their followers (1 Tim 4:3-4).

Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

2Ti 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

1. Which would result in, as foretold, a great falling away (2 Thess 2:3),

2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion (falling away) comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction (perdition),

1. And as predicted, almost every aspect of the Faith has been changed by man since it was once and for all time completely delivered; its facts, its commands, its promises, and its warnings, what or who is the church, what is the work of the church, what is the organization of the church, and what are the terms for entrance into the church, and how is one to remain faithful in the church, in the house of God (1 Tim 3:15), the family of God.

1. Therefore in this lesson we will be looking at the family of God, specifically “the sons of God” and how this phrase pertains to us today, thus we will look at . . .

1) WHAT is meant by the phrase “the sons of God”? (Gen 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Mt 5:9; Rom 8:14, 19; Gal 26)

2) WHO are the “the sons of God” today? (Gal 3:26-27; John 3:3-5; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:18; 1 Tim 3:15; 2 Cor 6:16-7:1)

3) WHERE will be the final destination of “the sons of God”? (Rom 8:19; Luke 20:36; 1 Thess 4:16-17)

I. “WHAT” IS MEANT BY THE PHRASE THE SONS OF GOD? (Gen 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Mt 5:9; Rom 8:14, 19; Gal 3:26)

A. The phrase “sons of God” occurs 10 times in the bible (perhaps 12 if we accept the marginal readings in Ps 29:1 and 89:6) . . .

1. This phraseology is first found in Gen 6:2 and 6:4. . .

Gen 6:2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.

Gen 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.

• 1. Here we have two basic theories of whom the “sons of God” refers to in this text . . .

1) to the descendants of Seth, who were just spoken of in the context (Gen 4:25-6:2) and who began to intermarry with the descendants of Cain (Gen 4:1-24), or

2) they are angels who left Heaven following fleshly lusts instead of heavenly holiness which resulted in the followers of Jehovah falling away and ultimately the end of all flesh upon the earth except for 8 souls.

• 1. When we look at extra-biblical sources we see that both views are supported,

1) the Book of Jasher (ch 4) supports the human sons of God view showing us that these were the descendants of Enoch (Methuselah’s sons) who were magistrates who fell away from God’s truth’s and forcibly took wives from other men,

2) while the Book of Enoch supports the heavenly angel view, so the deciding factor has to come elsewhere, and that is in the Bible we currently hold, 2 Pet 2:4 and Jude 1:6-7 make the decision for us . . .

2Pe 2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell (Tartarus) and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;

Jud 1:6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—

Jud 1:7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

• 1. The Book of Enoch also supports the angels being kept in chains till the Day of Judgment (Enoch 54:3-4), so the evidence weight seems to swing towards the heavenly angel view.

1. The phrase is also seen in the book of Job, in Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7 . . .

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD.

a. In these two verses we see a picture of God’s throne-room in Heaven, and notice that not only are the sons of God subject to God, presenting themselves before Him, (which is probably a reference to heavenly “angels”) but also Satan, Mastema, the adversary. And if even Satan subjects himself to God, how much more ought we also be subject to the Almighty God, Who is over all, and through all, and in all.

Job 38:7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

b. Here the “sons of God” are pictured shouting for joy at the creative power of our God, we also ought to marvel at the work of His hands, this also likely refers to the powerful spirit beings we know as “angels” (lit. “messengers”).

1. Now in the NT, Mt 5:9 . . .

Mat 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

• 1. Here the phrase refers not to those who reconcile men one to another, but rather to those who reconcile individuals back to God through Jesus, this refers to preachers and teachers of the peace imparting gospel of Christ.

1. Rom 8:14 . . .

Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (NASB)

• 1. And Gal 3:26 . . .

Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (NASB)

• 1. In these 2 verses (Rom 8:14; Gal 3:26) it refers to Christians of the 1^st century who are actively being led by God’s Spirit, who believe in Jesus as the Christ.

1. And in Rom 8:19 . . .

Rom 8:19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

• 1. And Luke 20:36. . .

Luk 20:36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

• 1. Here (Rom 8:19; Lk 20:36) the phrase is used to refer to resurrected Christians that are likened unto the angels.

1. Therefore when we look at the sum of what God’s word teaches concerning “the sons of God” (Ps 119:160), we see 3 basic classifications being brought forth, “sons of God” in the scriptures are . . .

• 1. Mortal man or

• 1. Resurrected man or

• 1. The spiritual beings commonly referred to as angels (“messengers” would be more literal).

1. We also are able to see a common denominator between these groups . . .

• 1. They all refer to those that “were” “faithful unto God,” (the Gen 6 angels “were” faithful before they sinned, note that in the NT references to them; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; they are no longer called “sons of God” but rather ‘the angels that sinned” “the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority”), therefore whether they be mortal or resurrected man or angel, the conclusion of our study to this point should be this . . .

• 1. The phrase “the sons of God” means, or refers to those that are or were “faithful unto God,” these are the “sons of God.”

II. “WHO ARE THE SONS OF GOD TODAY? (Gal 3:23-27; John 3:3-5; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:18; 1 Tim 3:15; 2 Cor 6:16-7:1)

A. Turn to (Gal 3:23-25)

Gal 3:23 Now before (the; YLT) faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.

Gal 3:24 So then, the law was our guardian (tutor) until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

Gal 3:25 But now that (the; YLT) faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian (tutor),

In this context, the inspired Paul is in the midst of an argument being put forth to the churches of Galatia, that they had received the promised Holy Spirit (1^st century miraculous manifestations; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; 2:33, 39; Eph 1:13) and the blessing (promise; Gal 3:29) of salvation given unto Abraham and Isaac (Gen 12:3; 22:18; 26:4) through their belief and obedience to the Faith, the Gospel, the Way, that faith system, and “not” by the law of Moses, and that the law was merely a temporary (and needed) part of God’s plan to redeem man, but was never meant to be the end, but rather the means (Rom 10:4) to keep them afloat so that they would not drown in the waters of sin (Gal 3:19), in other words to teach them about sin (Rom 3:20; 7:7), and the Christ to come (2 Tim 3:15), and to keep them temporarily forgiven (Heb 10:1-4) until Christ would come, die for their sins and redeem them from the curse of the law (Gal 3:10-14).

1. And now that faith, lit. “the faith” (YLT; the gospel) came in its fullness (starting on that 1^st Pentecost after the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ; Acts 2) there was no need to be under that general supervisor (guardian or tutor; “padiagogos”) commonly called the law of Moses, it had been abolished (Eph 2:15), nailed to the cross of Jesus Christ (Col 2:14), it was fading away (Heb 8:13), convert by convert.

B. (Gal 3:26)

Gal 3:26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through (the; YLT) faith.

Gal 3:26 For ye are all sons of God, through (the; YLT) faith, in Christ Jesus. (ASV)

Son; υἱός; uihos; hwee-os'

Strong’s Definition;

Apparently a primary word; a son (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figurative kinship: - child, foal, son.

Thayer Definition:

1) a son

1a) rarely used for the young of animals

1b) generally used of the offspring of men

1c) in a restricted sense, the male offspring (one born by a father and of a mother)

1d) in a wider sense, a descendant, one of the posterity of any one

1d1) the children of Israel

1d2) sons of Abraham

1e) used to describe one who depends on another or is his follower

1e1) a pupil

2) son of man

2a) term describing man, carrying the connotation of weakness and mortality

2b) son of man, symbolically denotes the fifth kingdom in Dan_7:13 and by this term its humanity is indicated in contrast with the barbarity and ferocity of the four preceding kingdoms (the Babylonian, the Median and the Persian, the Macedonian, and the Roman) typified by the four beasts. In the book of Enoch (2nd Century) it is used of Christ.

2c) used by Christ himself, doubtless in order that he might intimate his Messiahship and also that he might designate himself as the head of the human family, the man, the one who both furnished the pattern of the perfect man and acted on behalf of all mankind. Christ seems to have preferred this to the other Messianic titles, because by its lowliness it was least suited to foster the expectation of an earthly Messiah in royal splendour.

3) son of God

3a) used to describe Adam (Luk_3:38)

3b) used to describe those who are born again (Luk_20:36) and of angels and of Jesus Christ

3c) of those whom God esteems as sons, whom he loves, protects and benefits above others

3c1) in the OT used of the Jews

3c2) in the NT of Christians

3c3) those whose character God, as a loving father, shapes by chastisements (Heb_12:5-8)

3d) those who revere God as their father, the pious worshippers of God, those who in character and life resemble God, those who are governed by the Spirit of God, repose the same calm and joyful trust in God which children do in their parents (Rom_8:14, Gal_3:26 ), and hereafter in the blessedness and glory of the life eternal will openly wear this dignity of the sons of God. Term used preeminently of Jesus Christ, as enjoying the supreme love of God, united to him in affectionate intimacy, privy to his saving councils, obedient to the Father’s will in all his acts

Part of Speech: noun masculine

The word “son” here is in the masculine gender, but it does not only refer to the male of our species, children would be a more accurate definition contextually, as translated by some versions.

“For (gar; assignment of a reason; “because”) the faith had come and taken the place of that tutor/guardian, you are all sons (children) of God “through” (dia; denoting the channel of an act) lit “the faith,” as YLT renders it (through the belief in Jesus as the Christ)

1. In the ASV after the words “through faith” lit. “through the faith” the faith, belief in Jesus (which could extend to that system of faith, the gospel), there is a comma inserted by the translators.

• 1. It is important to note that in the original NT documents there were no punctuation marks, no gaps between words, just simply all capital letters, one after another.

• 1. But the point I am attempting to make is when the 100 men (the best scholars of their day; in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s) took on the task to revise the King James Version of the bible, it was no small task, and took literally years for this undertaking to be completed, but they believed that a comma should be inserted in this place, where it wasn’t in the KJV, in order to more accurately translate this text.

• 1. Therefore it should be read as this “for ye are all sons of God” (how?) there are 2 conditions being brought forth . . .

i. Condition 1 . . . “through (the; the definite article [the] is in the Greek) faith” COMMA

ii. And condition 2 . . . “In Christ Jesus”

1. Basically this is stating that through “the faith” the instrumentality of the gospel (its facts to believe, commands to obey, promises to receive, and warnings to heed) and “in Christ Jesus” (in this sphere, in the church, in the kingdom; Mt 16:18; 19; Heb 12:23, 28) you are a son, a child of God

C. (Gal 3:27)

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

“For” (gar; assignment of a reason; “because”) as many of you as were baptized INTO Christ, baptized into the one body (1 Cor 12:13) becomes a “son of God.” This is the way we enter INTO the possession of Christ; first we believe in the gospel, the faith, that is the crossover point (Jn 3:16, LITV; 5:24), when movement is made from spiritual death to spiritual life, then we are baptized (Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27; actually into the whole Godhead; Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit; Mt 28:19), through the waters of baptism, where one figuratively puts on Christ, one is thereby encapsulated, surrounded, within this spiritual location designated as “in Christ.” Thus for this reason, because of this (the faith and baptism), you are all sons of God.

1. And again, this word “baptism” “baptizo” does not mean sprinkling (rhantismos; 7 times NT) or pouring (ekcheo; 31 times NT), the bible has these words, this is not those words, this word “baptizo” was used in the 1^st century of when a ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea.

1. Therefore we see that “immersion” is a biblical part of being a “son of God.” And always remembering that the “sum” (the totality) of God’s word is truth (Ps 119:160), and is harmonious on any truth, we should be able to find some more evidence concerning this conclusion, and I believe we can.

1. Jesus himself said in (Mk 16:16a; turn there) . . .

Mar 16:16a Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,

• 1. This literally states “the one that believed and is continuing to believe (believeth) and is baptized (immersed) shall be saved (in the future; at the Judgment) this rules out infant immersion, for they are not capable of comprehending nor believing the gospel of Christ before immersion.

• 1. Let us note that “believing” or “faith” is a prerequisite to being baptized, it is the first step wherein one enters into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:5; 2 Cor 2:15), again, it is also the crossover point as revealed by our Lord in Jn 5:24 . . .

Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

• 1. We could say that salvation starts at faith, but doesn’t stop there, it continues through the instructions we see in the NT, which include repentance of sins, confession of Christ, baptism, and living a holy life as God is holy.

1. And also look what Jesus states in John 3:5 . . .

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

• 1. “Born of the water” here seems to be a reference to baptism, even though contextually “born of water” could be a reference to embryonic fluid. Yet early Christian documents confirm that this is a reference to baptism (before AD 325), and the word “water” is used 6 times in the near context, 3 times in chapter 1 referring to the water used in the baptism of John (John 1:26; 31, 33), and 2 times in chapter 2 referring to the water (literal water) that Jesus changed into wine (John 2:7, 9), and the word water occurs again after Christ makes this statement in John 3:23, where again it is a reference to the “much water” required for John’s baptism (immersion).

• 1. Therefore, Jesus could be stating that if one is not born of the water (“immersed” in accordance with God’s divine directions, which would be “for the remission of sins”; Acts 2:38, into that realm known as “in Christ” Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27), and born of the Spirit (the context properly interpreted reveals this means to “believe” the Spirit revealed truths of the NT), one cannot enter into the kingdom of God, in other words one can’t be born of the water alone and be saved on the Last Day, neither can one be born of the Spirit (believe) alone and be saved on that Great Day, even though both of these acts are a part of the process of salvation (“being saved” Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:5; 2 Cor 2:15) a person must be born of water “and” the Spirit, born according to these heavenly directions into the family of God, in order to become a “son, a child of God” as an end result.

• 1. This would be equal to the statement in our verse (Gal 3:26) “For you are all sons of God”

1) “Through the faith (which includes belief, the crossover point; Jn 5:24; 3:16, LITV) and

2) “In Christ Jesus” (being immersed into Christ), God’s word is harmonious (Ps 119:160a).

D. Turn to (Rom 8:14)

Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons (children; ISV) of God. (NASB)

In this section of God’s word we learn of another qualification for being a “son of God” let us see if we can find out what this means and see if it harmonizes with our conclusions thus far . . .

1. Just how is one “being led by the Spirit?” In the 1^st century God determined that miraculous gifts would abound throughout the church (Acts 2:17-18), these gifts (which are specifically named in 1 Cor 12 and Eph 4) were purposed to reveal (Eph 3:3-5), confirm (Mk 16:20; Acts 13:4; Heb 2:4) and bring about the recording of the NT (2 Tim 3:16), which has been completely delivered (Jude 3), after which God preplanned that these gifts were at least in such abundance to cease (Dan 9:24; Micah 7:15; Zech 13:2; Jn 9:1-4; 1 Cor 13:8-10; Eph 4:8-14).

• 1. But we need to remember that when the NT was in the process of being written (as in the time frame our verse; Rom 8:14), miraculous gifts given unto selected individuals who were presently delivering to Christians that which we have recorded in our NT’s.

• 1. If this assertion is true, then we should be able to read in one the historic books of the NT and see this process actually taking place, and we can . . .

i. Turn to Acts 8:29 . . .

Act 8:29 And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot."

ii. Here the Holy Spirit “said” unto Philip to join himself to the eunuch’s chariot for the purpose of preaching Jesus to him; note this wasn’t a feeling, a hunch, or something put in his mind, but the Spirit actually “said,” He “spoke,” Philip heard, Philip obeyed, Philip was “being led by the Spirit”, Philip here is a “son (child) of God.”

iii. Turn to Acts 10:19-20 . . .

Act 10:19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you.

Act 10:20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them."

iv. In this verse what we see is the result of a long line of agents that God used to bring preacher and hearer together. An angel “spoke” to Cornelius (v 3), who told Cornelius to send men to fetch Peter (v 5), the men went to Peter, and again, the Spirit “said” unto Peter (v 19), that He sent them, and Peter was to go with them (v 20) in order that preacher and hearer could be brought together, and thus Peter went (v 23), Peter was “being led by the Spirit”, therefore in this context Peter is a “son of God.”

v. But that wasn’t always true for Peter, in Mt 16 he attempted to thwart God’s plan wherein Jesus was to be sacrificed for the sins of the world, Jesus Himself tells him “get behind Me Satan”, so in that instance Peter was not a son of God, but rather a child of the devil.

vi. Also remember Peter denying Jesus 3 times, when he was doing this, I don’t believe he was a son (child) of God, but rather a child of the devil.

vii. And in Gal 2:11 he “stood condemned” for hypocrisy according to the apostle Paul, I believe he must have repented, but again in this instance Peter was not a son of God, but rather a child of Satan.

viii. Turn to Acts 13:1-2 . . .

Act 13:1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Act 13:2 While they were worshiping (ministering to) the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

ix. Here we are introduced to some of the members of the church at Antioch of Syria, note that there were “prophets” present (v 1), and in v 2 the Spirit “said” again implying audible words that were “heard,” not a hunch, not an unction, but actual “words,” it is possible (I believe) that these words were given through the mouth of one of the present prophets (but the text does not state this), yet it is possible, or they just heard the words out of thin air, but the point is, they “heard,” they were sent, and they went (v 4); again bringing preachers and hearers together in order to propagate the soul saving gospel of Christ, thus here when Paul and Barnabas obeyed what the Spirit said, they were “being led by the Spirit” therefore these are the “sons (children) of God.”

x. Now concerning the specific naming of “sons of God” as “preachers” “bringers” of the gospel as seen in these cases, remember it was foretold by the Lord in Mt 5:9 . . .

Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.

xi. Reconciliation of (peace between) men and God is the purpose of the gospel (Rom 5:6-11)

xii. Now turn to Acts 21:4 . . .

Act 21:4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

xiii. Here at the city of Tyre (v 3), we actually see the Spirit speaking through NT prophets telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but guess what, Paul went anyway, I believe he sinned in this matter, therefore he was not a “son of God” concerning this ordeal.

xiv. Look at Acts 21:10-11 . . .

Act 21:10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

Act 21:11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

xv. Here at Caesarea, we see the Spirit again speaking “words” through the prophet Agabus to Paul concerning his insistence to go to Jerusalem, if Paul went, he would be bound and incarcerated by the Jews through the agency of the Roman government, and in v 15 we see he did go, and he did some things I don’t believe he should have, a riot ensued, he was beaten and jailed, and was in custody in Caesarea for 2 years, and eventually brought to Rome where he was in custody for at least another 2 years, I believe Paul made some definite mistakes in this time period, but my point in bringing this up is that it shows us exactly how people were “being led by the Spirit” in the 1^st century, this is not possible today, miracles for the most part have ceased, the purpose for which they were intended, revealing (Eph 3:3-5), confirming (Mk 16:20; Heb 14:3; Heb 2:4) and recording God’s word (2 Tim 3:16) has been fulfilled (Jude 3).

• 1. Yet today, and throughout time, the Holy Spirit has spoken to people through the word of God, whether spoken or written, it is His instrument of choice, it is referred to as “the sword of the Spirit” in Eph 6:17.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

i. Look at 1 Tim 4:1 . . .

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

ii. And Heb 3:7 . . .

Heb 3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice,

iii. And in the book of Revelation when it addresses the problems and good things concerning the 7 churches of Asia it states in Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22 “hear what the Spirit says” which shows us that the Holy Spirit was speaking to these churches through God’s inspired word.

iv. And the point is that the Holy Spirit still speaks through God’s inspired word today, “every Scripture is inspired of God” (2 Tim 3:16), and those that believe and obey that word, the gospel and been baptized (immersed) into Christ for the remission of sins, and continue to allow God to rule their lives through His word in their hearts are those who are “being led by the Spirit of God" today, these are the “sons (children) of God,” and those that push it aside and do their own wills simply, “are not.”

III. “WHERE” WILL BE THE FINAL DESTINATION OF THE SONS OF GOD? (Rom 8:19-23; Luke 20:36; 1 Thess 4:16-17; Rev 22:1-5)

A. Look at (Rom 8:19-23)

Rom 8:19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

Rom 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility (vanity), not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope

Rom 8:21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Rom 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

This passage is picturing the physical creation and us suffering and waiting for the general resurrection, at the end of time, at which time the Final Judgment will take place, and then it will be revealed who are the true sons of God.

1. Keep in mind that the bible teaches that “all” will be resurrected on the Last Day (Dan 12:2; John 5:28-28; Acts 24:15).

Dan 12:2 And many (the multitude; YLT) of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Joh 5:28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice

Joh 5:29 and come out(forth), those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Act 24:14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship (serve) the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

Act 24:15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

• 1. When that happens all will be gathered before the judgment seat of Christ. Those that were faithful unto God in the dispensation in which they lived, those that let themselves be led by the Spirit during their lives, and died faithfully will be ushered into the eternal state with God for ever and ever, Jesus will reveal the true “sons of God when He states” (Mt 25:21) . . .

Mat 25:21 . . . 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master (Lord).'

• 1. And those that fell short of the grace of God, whose lived lives not of righteousness but rather of lawlessness, who were not attempting to be aligned with the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) but with their own wills, will not, concerning them Jesus said (Mt 25:46) . . .

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

• 1. Jesus describes the heavenly state of the “sons of God” in this manner (Luke 20:36).

Luk 20:36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

• 1. So basically what we will see at the end of time is the coming together (Eph 1:10) of the 3 basic classes of the “sons of God” (mortal man, resurrected man and angels) they will be very similar, all having incorruptible, immortal, spiritual bodies (1 Cor 15:42-50).

1Co 15:42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

1Co 15:45 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being (soul)"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

1Co 15:46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual.

1Co 15:47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven.

1Co 15:48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.

1Co 15:49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

1Co 15:50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

• 1. Being with God, thinking like God, and being likened unto God, for “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24)

• 1. Let us look at this event in the scriptures (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thess 4:13-17; Rev 20:11-15; 21:1-4; 22:1-5). . .

1Co 15:51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:13 But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope.

1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (their spirits to be rejoined with their raised, incorruptible bodies)

1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;

1Th 4:17 then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.

Rev 20:14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

Rev 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,

Rev 22:2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;

Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.

Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

• 1. This is where the “sons/children of God” will eternally reside, this is their final destination, and this long journey starts with belief in the gospel (Jn 5:24), the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes, and enables one to end up in the place where His heavenly Father would want him, forever and ever as obedient, loving, and faithful “sons of God” . . . here is an overview of the gospel plan

One is to . . .

Hear or read the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17)

Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

This is how the Father plants the word, the seed of the kingdom (Lk 8:11) within the good ground, the good, honest and open heart

One is to . . .

Believe that Jesus died for our sins, was raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:1-4), ascended into heaven (Mk 16:19; Lk 24:51; Acts 1:9-11), and has a living hope to follow Him in that (1 Cor 15:23; 1 Pet 1:3-4), this is the cross-over point from spiritual death to life (Jn 5:24), this (faith) is the point where one enters into the process of being saved (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15)

One is to . . .

Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3 . . . except you repent, you shall all in like manner perish.

Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of life, this is brought about through the Holy Spirit convicting us of our sins (Jn 16:8), Whom we received when we believed in the gospel (Eph 1:13)

One is to . . .

Confess Jesus as the Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), the eunuch said . . .

“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So should you

This is how many fulfill the perpetual great commission (Mt 28:19-20), propagating the gospel throughout the

earth

One is to . . .

Be baptized (immersed), which doth also now save us (1 Pet 3:21), it washes away our sins (Acts 22:16) immersed into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); in which you also become a son of God (Gal 3:26-27). Remember Jesus said, “Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5), “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).

And finally one is to . . .

Continue living a holy life according to the gospel of Christ (1 Pet 1:15), practicing righteousness, instead of lawlessness, being led by the Spirit (Rom 8:14) through His sword (Eph 6:17), the living and active word of God (Heb 4:12), which is to be written upon our hearts (Heb 8:10)

Not perfect (Ja 1:25), but faithful, striving towards spiritual maturity (2 Cor 7:1)

Putting off that old man, and putting on the new (Eph 4:17-24), being constantly in a state of spiritual growth (2

Pet 3:18), being renewed, transformed day by day (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 4:16), through study and application of

God’s ever abiding word (1 Pet 2:2)

Showing forth God’s love through your life as a Christian (1 Pet 4:16), as the Bible teaches . . .

Continuing to do the will of the Father (Mt 7:21-23), in order that you won’t have your name blotted out of that

book of life (Rev 3:5), so that you may be able to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ (2 Pet 1:11).