The Children of GOD

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." —Romans 8:16 [KJV]

These words dropt not from the pen of a saint in a state of sinless perfection; nor is this invaluable privilege, this heavenly blessing, peculiar to the experience of Paul the apostle, but to Paul, less than "the least of all saints, and chief of all sinners," as he confesseth himself to be. It hath been enjoyed by poor sinners, through faith in Jesus, in all ages; it is the common privilege of all Christians. We may well cry out in astonishment with Solomon, "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee."—II Chronicles 6:18. 

Amazing condescension! "Lord what is man, sinful, hell-deserving man, that Thou shouldest thus visit him" with Thy comforting presence! Delightful to think of. There is a sweet relation subsists between the high and lofty One and wretched miserable sinners. In Jesus they both unite. The fulness of the Godhead, and the misery and curse of the manhood state of His people meet in Him. From the Head Jesus, the Spirit proceeds, and like the oil on Aaron's head descends to all the members. To their spirits He bears witness, agreeable to the word of truth, of their covenant-relation as children, adopted sons of God by faith in Jesus Christ. 

Let no believing soul be distressed or deluded by the deceiving of others, so as to expect a vision, manifestation, or revelation that may be seen, heard, or felt by the outward senses. No; the Spirit bears witness to our spirits, not to our senses! even as the law bears witness to the conscience that we are sinners, and works wrath there; so the blessed Spirit bears an inward witness to the mind, that we are the righteous children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus; that "He died for our sins and rose again for our justification;" that in Him we are chosen, beloved, accepted, justified, pardoned, and shall be glorified with Him. Thus saith Jesus, "He shall glorify Me, for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you."—John 16:14. 

See, O believer, the riches of covenant-grace! Admire and adore the wonderful love of the Trinity! Hast thou received the witness of the Spirit of Jesus in the word through faith? Happy, highly favored art thou among men. Art thou waiting and longing for the promise of the Father? the joyful testimony and assurance of the Spirit to thy heart that thou art His child? It is sure; not because of any good thing naturally found in thee, but because Jesus intercedes before the throne. Therefore thou mayest pray in the assurance of faith, having this promise to all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, "Your heavenly Father will give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him."—Luke 11:13.

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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