As the last message in our “Renewing the Mind” series, I want to focus on a very important truth: in Christ, you are God’s child.
“To all who believed him and accepted [Jesus], he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
We’ve probably heard this numerous times, and we may even say to ourselves, I’m a child of God. But, what does that mean? How does it apply to my life? How can it help me overcome fear, anxiety and panic attacks?
If we can get this concept out of our minds (understanding) and into our hearts (believing), I am convinced that it will bring freedom and deliverance. To help you understand what this means, here are some benefits of being a child of God:
We are joint heirs with Christ
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16, 17).
What does it mean to be a “joint heir”? Let me give you an example of what joint ownership means. My wife and I have a joint banking account. This account is owned by both of us. We both of access to it. Either of us can make deposits or withdrawals. We jointly own this account. In the same way, all of the promises and blessings that the Father has given to Christ also belong to us–promises of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22, 23).
We have access to the throne of God
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Because of what Christ has done, we now have full access to the throne of God. When we are struggling, afraid and confused, we can run boldly to God’s throne without fear of wrath or judgement and receive all he has to offer us. Nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).
We are seated with Christ at the right hand of God
“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
This concept can be difficult to understand because we live in the realities of this world along with our five senses. We don’t feel like we’re sitting at the right hand of God. When fear strikes and panic rises up, we don’t feel like we’re seated in the heavenly realms. But, we have to understand that our spirits are with Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit. While our soul (mind, will and emotions) may be confused, scared and afraid, if we can close our eyes and see our real self (our spirit) being seated with Christ, it would give us incredible confidence. This heavenly position is one of authority and power. We need to believe that in Christ, we have authority over fear and anxiety. We have power to overcome these panic feelings.
This week, I encourage you to spend some time with God and listen to his “divine whispers” over you. Let him love on you as his child. He loves you so much and wants you to walk in freedom and peace.
Prayer: Father, show me that I am your child. Show me how much you love me and let me receive all that you have for me in Christ.