The Event that Defines You

The Event that Redefines You

Gal. 4:1-7

“Therefore, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”

                  Some statements are so profound that we cannot even begin to comprehend their significance.  We look back in history; some statements radically shifted the world and our view of life. Sometimes, these statements changed the course of the geopolitical world. One such statement was when Martin Luther King Jr. defined the civil rights movement on August 28, 1963, by stating, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed:  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”  Other statements were innocuous at the time but ushered in a new era.  The words of Alexander Gram Bell, “Mr. Watson—come here--I want to see you,”  were not profound. Still, they inaugurated the start of one of the greatest communication revolutions in history.  

                  The most significant statement in history that we cannot even begin to fathom the depths of its meaning is a simple five-word statement, “Then an heir through God.”  That simple statement is so profound that the most outstanding theologians cannot begin to unpack its significance. This simple statement elevates us from the lowest position in the universe—sinners deserving nothing but judgment—to the highest position in all creation—the position of being co-heirs with Christ.  No longer are we defined by our sin and the stain it brings upon our lives.  No longer are we in bondage to the “elemental things of the world.” That is, no longer are we in bondage to Satan and his corrupting tyranny.  Instead, we are now elevated to the status of being children of God.  We no longer approach God through fear and dread in the face of His judgment because of our sins.  We now come into His presence with the endearing cry of “Abba! Father!”  In Romans 8:17, Paul gives even greater significance to this statement when he writes, “And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”  In other words, we are given the same rights and status as the Father that Christ Himself enjoys.  In God’s infinite grace, He not only saves us from the devastating effects of sin but also invites us to become partakers of the fellowship within the Trinity.  The rights, privileges, and honor that Christ enjoys are now given to us.  

                  Today, people use all kinds of terms to define themselves and others.  People become defined by their race, economic status, looks, and so on.   Some people become defined by their past, the failures and mistakes that continue to haunt them.  People use these defining qualities to elevate themselves while devaluing others.  However, when we surrender our life to Christ, we are given a whole new identity and definition of who we are.  We are no longer defined by our sin, our past, or even by the world’s definition; we are defined by our relationship with Christ and His position before the Father.  We are given the highest position and place.  We are given the status that even the angels do not have. There is none more significant, none more extraordinary, none higher.  We are given a new identity and status beyond our wildest dreams and ability to comprehend. Instead of letting the world define you and your past define who you are, find your identity in what Christ has given you:  A child of the living God of the universe.  When you accept the salvation Christ offers, that is now who you are.