April 9

God Has No Grandchildren

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

––Romans 8:16-17

Who doesn’t love “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel? One of the many things that fascinate me about sharks are the fish that make their living by following sharks around. Specifically, remoras and pilot fish. As sharks cruise the oceans, these opportunists harvest the scraps of the sharks’ meals and clean parasites off their skin.

While the remora may get a free ride in life, that’s not the way the Kingdom of God works. The expression that sums it up well: “God has no grandchildren.” Meaning, either you are a child of God or you are not. “But Kenny, I thought all humans were children of God.” That’s actually not biblical; this is what the Word says:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

––John 1:12-13

While God loves all His creation, only those who receive Jesus Christ are given the right to be called God’s children. We can’t “remora fish” our way into heaven riding on the spiritual backs of our parents or grandparents. And of course, good works don’t get us there either. Paul underscores this when he tells the Church in Rome that the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Yes, God loves you even if You have not accepted His Son as your savior. However, nowhere in His Word does it say that His love for you gets you into heaven. For that to happen, you need to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, and decide to give control of your life over to Him. Going to church won’t achieve that. Giving to Christian charities won’t get you there either. If you’ve never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, there is no time like the present. Pray with me:

Lord God, I realize that my good works will not get me to heaven, but only by believing in Jesus Christ as Your one and only Son, and receiving Him as my savior, can I be saved. I ask that you forgive me of my sins, cleanse me of my unrighteousness, and hear my voice: I confess that Jesus is Your one and only Son, and that He lived, died, and rose again, and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept Him as my Savior, and I thank you that I am Your child.

If you just prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! Reply and let us know! We want to rejoice with you, help you with next steps, and make sure you are connected with brothers in a local church.