God's Family: The Reason You Were Born

You can know the astounding truth about the purpose of this life.

God is creating a family; His Own family.

Source: Photos.com

Have you ever wondered why you exist, why you were born? Have you ever suspected there isn't a purpose to life at all? What is the meaning of life? Is there anything beyond this physical life?

If you've ever pondered questions like these, you're not alone. Mankind has pondered these questions for millennia. Philosophers, scientists and theologians have tried to resolve them, but with confusing and contradictory results.

Can you know the answers to these questions?

Yes, you can! The astonishing answers can be found in the pages of your BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ..

Did you know that the main reason the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. was written was to explain how God is creating His own family, the sons of God? It is amazing how few people grasp this incredible truth, yet it is so plain in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ..

At the beginning of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. is the account of the creation of Adam and Eve. All human beings are their descendants. We are, by natural descent, their great, extended family. Adam was, according to his natural parentage, a son of God (Luke 3:38Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
See All...). Therefore, in our natural descent, we are all the children of God. He is our Father by physical creation.

Creating immortal children

But God's purpose is far greater than the creation of corruptible and perishable human beings. God is in the process of creating His own spiritual children who will be incorruptible-children with eternal life who have His divine nature or character.

He refers to this new creation in terms of "the old man," in contrast with "the new man," who is "renewed in the spirit of [his] mind" and is "created according to God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:20-24 [20] But ye have not so learned Christ;
[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

See All...).

The apostle Paul defined the new creation as a spiritual transformation, at first a change only in a person's nature and character, followed by a change into a literal spiritual being with eternal life. The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. refers to this process as salvation.

The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. refers to those who are receiving salvation as the "sons of God" in a sense that goes beyond our descendancy from our first two human parents. God is accomplishing a marvelous spiritual transformation in the lives of His followers through His Holy Spirit.

Paul explained that "the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the 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 8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
See All..., 17).

Do you grasp the enormous significance of Paul's statement? It explains why we are here, the very reason for our existence, why we were born. It gives meaning to life itself. It explains why God wants all human beings to come to the knowledge of the truth. God is creating a family, His Own family. We have the priceless opportunity to be a part of that family.

That family relationship-our becoming children of God the Father-is the heart and core of God's great plan for humanity. Notice how Paul expresses it: "In bringing many sons to glory [salvation], it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy [Christ] and those who are made holy [converted human beings] are of the same family" (Hebrews 2:10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
See All..., 11, New International Version).

That's right!

That truly converted Christians are all of the same Father makes them members of the same family: God's family! Paul continues: "So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, 'I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.' And again, 'I will put my trust in him.' And again he says, 'Here am I, and the children God has given me'" (verses 11-13, NIV).

Notice that Jesus is not ashamed to regard converted members of His church as His own brothers (or sisters). That is how close and personal this family relationship is.

Humans created to be like God

From the beginning of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., this is the clearly stated purpose of God. "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image ..." (Genesis 1:26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
See All..., 27).

Both men and women are created to be like God. The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. often speaks of physical children as "sons" because that was the custom at the time the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. was written, and has been in many languages, including English, over the centuries. In the Hebrew and Greek languages, in which the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. was written, "sons" was used to mean "descendants." When used in this sense, the Hebrew and Greek words for "sons" refer to male and female descendants alike. Today, we use the words mankind and brethren in a similar sense.

God makes it clear that His family includes people who are now physical men and women, both sons and daughters. "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28 [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

See All...).

Also, "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
See All...). Men and women are God's children.

Now to the point of Genesis 1:26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
See All..., 27, which tells us we are made in God's image and likeness. At the first mention of human beings in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., God declares His intent to make us like Him. But to what extent are we made like Him?

God's purpose is to make us fully like Jesus Christ! In Ephesians, Paul makes this clear. He explains that God established a ministry to serve the church. That ministry is to work with those in the church, until, he says in verse 13, "we all come to . . . the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Paul's statement in Galatians 4:19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
See All..., "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you," expresses the same concept in different words. Do you grasp the significance of Paul's statement? We are to become fully and completely like Jesus Christ. His character is to be formed in us. As Jesus is God's Son, we will also be God's sons.

The apostle John is explicit: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:1-3 [1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

See All...).

Resurrected to glorified state

Human beings who are inducted into the family that God is creating will be given the glorious honor to be like the resurrected Jesus Christ, who today reigns in His glorified state at the right hand of God in heaven. The awesome potential of any human being as it is presented to us by Christ and His apostles seems so incredible that most people find it difficult to grasp when they first read it. But it is plainly stated in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., even though people read right over it. In fact, it is the whole purpose for salvation. It is the reason God made mankind. It is why we were born.

In Psalm 82:6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
See All..., we read: "I said, 'You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.'" That is how God wants us human beings to relate to Him: as children of the Most High. It is truly an awesome family relationship-God's own personal family! Jesus quoted the preceding verse from Psalm 82 to show the Jews that He was not blaspheming God by claiming to be God's Son (see John 10:34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
See All...).

Even the promises made to ancient Israel pertained to God's intention to eventually bring His people into a family relationship with Him. The apostle Paul said: "For I could wish that I myself

were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises" (Romans 9:3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
See All..., 4).

Of a humbled remnant of Israel in the future, God gives this prophecy: "But now, this is what the LORD says-he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine . . . Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back." Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made'" (Isaiah 43:1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
See All..., 5-7 NIV).

God has always kept His purpose, of making human beings His children, as the guiding principle of how He deals with human beings. He gave us His laws to teach us how to treat one another in a godly manner-the same way Christ treated people. God has always offered forgiveness to anyone who would repent of sin, which is the transgression of His laws. God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.For there is no respect of persons with God.
See All...). He says plainly that Christ came so the whole world-all people-can be saved (John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
See All..., 17).

Israelites to set an example

Many readers of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. have wondered why God chose the descendants of Abraham-ancient Israel-as a special people if He is impartial in offering salvation to all people.

Abraham was a righteous man who was called the friend of God. God promised him that, if he would walk wholeheartedly before Him, He would use Abraham's children in a special way. God chose to build a national family from Abraham's descendants so they could, if they would cooperate, set an example as a type, or model, of God's own family.

God told Abraham's descendants: "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe . . . Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?" (Deuteronomy 4:1Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
See All..., 6-8).

The people of Israel agreed to become just such an example nation. But they still had a carnal, selfish nature, just as do all other human beings. KnowledgeThe broad range of information held by a person; an attribute of God (Romans 11:33); what we need to know about God (Hosea 4:6). alone was not enough. God gave the Israelites His laws-the knowledge of right and wrong-but they did not have a converted mind whereby they could obey God from the heart. As a nation, they failed to set the obedient example they had promised God they would do.

The example they did set, that of consistently abandoning their commitments to obey God, preserves an important lesson for the rest of mankind. Neither nations nor individuals can produce godly behavior without God's Holy Spirit dwelling within them, even if God personally gives them explicit knowledge of right and wrong.

The only family that can ever set the proper example of godliness and righteousness for mankind is God's own family, His own sons and daughters, when they will have been granted immortality and incorruptibility. God is creating that family, and you can be a part of it!

Who will be in God's family?

Who are the children of God, and who will become a part of God's family?

The family of God will consist of those who sincerely repented of sin, which is the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
See All...), who had been baptized and were imparted God's Holy Spirit as a gift (Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
See All...). By receiving that Spirit, they had become members of Christ's spiritual body (1 Corinthians 12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
See All..., 13), which is His Church (1 Corinthians 12:27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
See All...; Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
See All...).

Paul explains the importance of the Holy Spirit to salvation and to becoming children of God: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit [that] dwells in you" (Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
See All...).

Paul makes it clear that "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His" (verse 9). Why do those without that Spirit not belong to God? Because "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (verse 14).

God's children are only those who are being led by God through His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power and presence of God working in them (2 Timothy 1:6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
See All...; Psalm 51:11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
See All...; Philippians 2:13).

How do we receive God's Spirit? The apostle Peter said we must "repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
See All...). Because of this repentance and baptism, we are then considered to be children of God (1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
See All...).

But that is nothing compared with what we will be like at Jesus Christ's return, when the dead are resurrected: "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;

it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body" (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 [42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
[43] It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
[44] It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

See All..., NIV).

These verses depict an awesome change indeed! That is why Paul says: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:16-18 [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

See All..., KJV).

Glory beyond compare

Do you get the picture? Being born into God's family as a very child of God, a part of God's own family, is so magnificent that it is futile to try to compare to anything we have ever known. No amount of human trials, problems and suffering in this life could ever approach the inestimable value of eternal life as children of God, of our actually becoming like God and Jesus Christ. That is what life is all about. That is why you were born. God wants you to be like Him in every way as His son or daughter so you will be part of His very family at the time of the resurrection.

No wonder Paul exclaimed, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed" (Romans 8:19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
See All..., NIV). God's purpose explains why Peter says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
See All..., NIV).

Paul writes that God "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
See All..., NIV).

These scriptures tell us that God is patient, and He desires to bring all human beings into His family. He also tells us that "he who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son" (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 21:7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
See All...).

The wonderful world of tomorrow will be inaugurated at the return of Jesus Christ, who returns to rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
See All...). All the kingdoms of the world will be brought under His dominion (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
See All...). He will establish the Kingdom of God, which is the heart of the message-the gospel, or good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .-that He preached.

Those sons and daughters of God who have been faithful to their commitment to obey Him-who have overcome their own carnal, selfish nature and the temptation to return

to a life of sin and lawlessness-will share in that rule with Jesus Christ as sons of God. Notice Christ's promise: "To him who overcomes

I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
See All...). Those who overcome will be given responsibility as kings and priests of God in that Kingdom (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
See All..., 6).

Change to immortality

How can we mere human beings ever hope that Jesus Christ would share with us such incredible responsibility? Certainly, we can never do so while we are still weak, imperfect human beings.

That is just the point of these and many other scriptures. We must be changed.

"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trum-pet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:50-52 [50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

See All...).

It is a gross understatement to say that the Kingdom of God, under the rule of Christ, will be wonderful. What will make it wonderful? It will be the leadership of all the sons of God, each changed to immortal spirit being under the leadership of Jesus Christ, who will reign as King of Kings and is "the firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
See All...). We, the present sons and daughters of God, will share with Christ the management of that wonderful Kingdom. As we read earlier, those who are led by God's Spirit are the children of God and Christ's brothers and sisters: God's family!

The prophet Daniel received from God a marvelous vision of the establishment of that Kingdom under Jesus Christ on His receiving it from God the Father. "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed" (Daniel 7:13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
See All..., 14).

Who shares that Kingdom with Jesus Christ? "Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him" (verse 27). Here again, we can see that people who are the "saints of the Most High" will be kings or rulers with Christ.

But certainly they will not rule like some unscrupulous worldly tyrant. Jesus said: "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves" (Luke 22:25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
See All..., 26). God is creating not just a family in which are kings, but kings who, as servants, will pass on wonderful blessings to those they serve!

Rulership based on love

God's character is based on love (1 John 4:8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
See All..., 16). The loving character of God must be manifest in all who are truly His children. It is that loving character that distinguishes the true children of God, that makes evident who is really a part of His family. "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother" (1 John 3:10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
See All...).

Jesus taught the same. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven . . . You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:43-45 [43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

See All..., 48).

The implementation of that love of God by the resurrected, immortal sons of God will produce the wonderful world of the future. God is perfecting that spirit of love and mercy in those sons and daughters who are the firstfruits of His spiritual harvest (James 1:18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
See All...) so they will befit His family and so they can demonstrate to the world that obedience to God's law is the right way of life.

God is creating in His children His own divine nature, His holy and righteous character. The apostle Peter speaks of that spiritual nature, which we can share with Jesus Christ: "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:2-4 [2] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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Those who become like Jesus Christ at the resurrection will be more than just spirit beings similar to Him. They will share with Him the very nature of the Father. God gives that godly nature to them when they receive the Holy Spirit, but only when they become fully like Jesus Christ will those divine characteristics be perfected. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ . . . that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
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Never underestimate the value of your life. You were born to become one of God's children. You were born to receive His very nature and, eventually, eternal life. You were born to become an immortal son of God.