What Is Your Destiny?

What
Is Your
Destiny?
THIS PUBLICATION IS NOT TO BE SOLD. It is a free
educational service in the public interest, published by
the United Church of God, an International Association.
© 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2008 United Church of God, an International Association
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. Scriptures in this publication are quoted from the
New King James Version (© 1988 Thomas Nelson, Inc., publishers) unless otherwise noted.
2 What Is Your Destiny? The
Question of the Ages 3
The Question of the Ages David’s words in Psalm 8 are quoted in Hebrews 2:6-8, with an explanatory
comment at the end: “But there is a place where someone has testified: ‘What is
man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made
W
him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put
hat is your destiny? Why do you exist? Is there a reason, a pur- everything under his feet.’ In putting everything under him, God left nothing that
pose, for human life? These questions have baffled the greatest is not subject to him. Yet at present we
thinkers and philosophers down through the ages. do not see everything subject to him”
We ponder the meaning of life. A child naturally wonders, (New International Version).
“Where did I come from?” As adults we ask, especially in our twilight years: “Everything” here is translated from
“Is this physical life all there is? Does my life have a purpose?” the Greek ta panta, meaning “the all”
Think about your own existence. Can you see a purpose for your own life with —essentially, “the universe.” This is
its ups and downs, its mixture of joys and sorrows? Do you sense lasting value in what God has determined to be in sub-
its toil, challenges and uncertainties? jection to man—but, as clarified here,
Just why were you born? In the pages that follow, we will explore this, one of not yet.
the greatest of all mysteries. Indeed, as he gazed at the celestial
grandeur overhead, David may well
Man’s place in creation have recalled God’s amazing proclama-
Three thousand years ago King David considered the apparent insignificance tion given through Moses that “the sun,
of human beings when compared to the vastness of the night sky. As a shepherd,
he had spent many nights outdoors gazing at the star-studded expanse overhead. As a shepherd David spent many nights outdoors gazing at the
Notice the thoughts he recorded in Psalm 8:3-4: “When I consider Your heavens, star-studded expanse overhead. He perceived that no part of God’s
the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what
is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” creation begins to compare with His purpose for human beings.
David wondered why, considering the magnificent and vast universe, God is so
concerned with human beings and their future. He realized that, within the larger the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven . . . the Lord your God has given
scope of the vast heavens, we can appear to be insignificant. Yet he perceived to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage” (Deuteronomy 4:19).
that, in the plan of the great Creator God, no part of God’s physical creation even This is astounding to contemplate! These verses reveal that man was created
begins to compare with His purpose for human beings. to share dominion with God over the entire created universe. Yet this is only one
Understanding that only God can reveal His purpose for creating us, David aspect of an even greater reality.
continued his reflection on the destiny of man: “For You have made him a little
lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have Beyond our wildest dreams
made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all What does it mean to say that God made mankind “a little lower than the
things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—even the beasts of the field, the birds of angels”? As David looked at the vast expanse above him, was he really saying
photo illustration by iStockphoto/Shaun Venish
the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas” (verses 5-8, that man was only a little lower than immortal spirit beings? As mortal, material
emphasis added throughout). creatures, we are far, far below what Scripture reveals about the power and glory
David was reflecting on the dominion God gave mankind at creation, using of beings in the heavenly realm.
some of the same language as Genesis 1:26. Here God said, “Let Us make man in Instead of “a little lower,” perhaps a better rendering is the New American Stan-
Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the dard Bible’s translation of Hebrews 2:7: “You have made him for a little while lower
sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every than the angels . . .” This seems likely, considering the vast gulf between us and the
creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So man was made in God’s image to rule heavenly realm, and the implication is stunning. For if we are only temporarily at a
over His creation. lower level of existence than the angels, then what does that say of the future?
David realized that God has already granted people the capacity to manage a Consider again what God said in Genesis 1:26: “Let Us make man in Our
significant part of His creation—our planet and its wonders. But he knew that image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion . . .” In all of God’s
much more was to come. physical creation, He made only man in the image and likeness of Himself. He
gave only man dominion or rule over the creation. Mankind is unique within the people” (Colossians 1:26, New Living
creation of God. And God has planned for us an unfathomable destiny! Translation; compare 1 Corinthians
The apostle Paul said of God’s marvelous plan, “This message was kept secret 2:7; Ephesians 3:9).
for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to his own holy Throughout the ages the overwhelm-
ing majority of people have failed to
grasp the amazing future God has in
The Spirit in Man store for those who develop a proper
relationship with Him. As the apostle
Paul put it: “No eye has seen, no ear has
H
uman beings do have a spiritual compo- has no consciousness apart from the body, heard, and no mind has imagined what
nent to our makeup. As Job 32:8 says, for man is mortal. When we die, we will have God has prepared for those who love
“There is a spirit in man.” And the apos- no awareness of anything at all—until, that
him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).
tle Paul pointed out, “For what man knows the is, the future time when God places our in-
things of a man except the spirit of the man dividual spirits within new bodies He will give
Man was created to share dominion with God over the entire created
which is in him” (1 Corinthians 2:11). us, thereby bringing us back to life.
It is this human spirit that imparts human The human spirit is critical to our destiny, universe. Yet this is only one aspect of an even greater reality.
The Scriptures tell us that our destiny can exceed anything we could imagine in
our wildest dreams! Isn’t it time we let God explain—from His Word—what He
has in mind for us?
A prophetic passage gives us our first clue to our fantastic future. Speaking of
the resurrection of the dead, it tells us that a time is coming when “many of those
who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some
to shame and everlasting contempt.” It adds: “Those who are wise shall shine like
the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars
forever and ever” (Daniel 12:2-3, New Revised Standard Version).
This is just a hint of the amazing future God has planned for us—to live forever,
shining in glory like brilliant stars!
What man is now
photos/illustrations, from left: iStockphoto, Corbis Digital Stock, NASA
Before we can comprehend man’s eternal destiny, however, we need to clearly
understand what man is now. We are physical beings composed of the chemical
substances of earth. That is how God created us: “And the Lord God formed man
of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man
The spirit in man imparts human intellect to our physical brains. It became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).
But almost all ancient religions taught the error that man is a nonmaterial
is what makes people vastly more intelligent than animals. spirit entity confined for a time in physical flesh. They taught that man has a dual
intellect to our physical brains, creating the since God’s Holy Spirit joining with it is what composition, that a human being is both a physical body and an immortal soul.
human mind. It is what makes people vastly makes us God’s children (Romans 8:16). And Even today most people believe that after our physical body dies, our suppos-
more intelligent than animals. just as the human spirit gives us human un- edly immortal “soul” will continue as a living and conscious entity apart from
Yet this spiritual aspect of human exis- derstanding, so God’s Spirit gives us higher, the body. This idea that we have a soul that is immortal is never taught in the
tence is nothing like the immortal soul con- godly understanding (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Holy Scriptures. It came to us from the superstitions of ancient religions—
cept. The spirit in man is not animate of itself. We are not born with the Holy Spirit but re- possibly as far back as Eden, when Satan convinced Eve she would not die if
It is not a spirit entity that “lives on” after ceive it from God following repentance and she disobeyed God (Genesis 3:2-4).
death. As Scripture shows, the human spirit baptism (Acts 2:38). On the contrary, the Bible clearly tells us that our “soul” is mortal, rather than
immortal, because it can die (Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Matthew 10:28). Indeed, the
words commonly translated “soul” in Scripture—Hebrew nephesh in the Old Destination and Course Correction:
Testament and Greek psuche in the New—refer simply to physical, mortal
creatures. They are used not only to refer to human beings, but to many kinds
Planned From the Outset
T
of animals, including birds, reptiles and fish.
he apostle Paul tells us that God made chose to rely on themselves. They set off on a
The Bible makes it plain that immortality is not something we already possess.
plans for our marvelous future even be- wrong course that is a mixture of good and evil.
Paul clearly tells us that God alone has immortality (1 Timothy 6:13-16). He
fore He created our first parents, Adam By their decision, they brought on them-
explains that we are “corruptible” and “mortal” and that “this mortal must put
and Eve. He planned our destiny “accord- selves the penalty of sin, which is suffering
on immortality” by being changed from corruptible to incorruptible existence ing to His own purpose and grace which was and ultimately death (Romans 6:23). Since
when Jesus Christ returns at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; compare given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” their time, all of humanity has followed their ex-
1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 11:15). (2 Timothy 1:9). ample and become corrupted by sin (Romans
At this present time God’s servants are those who “seek for glory, honor, and Our eternal future was a part of God’s great
immortality” (Romans 2:7)—showing they are not already immortal. But they do plan and purpose before this world came to
understand that, by sacrificing His life for ours, Jesus Christ “has abolished death be. Even then, God had determined that only
and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). a perfect Redeemer could bring His master
Immortality is available only through mankind’s Savior, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). plan to completion—as He foresaw that hu-
Again, man is mortal! Human life is temporary! We are physical beings man beings would veer from the course He
who can die; we can cease to exist. Our life does not reside in some supposedly set for them.
immortal soul. No such teaching can be found in the Scriptures. When we die, our At the creation of the first man and woman,
consciousness ceases (Psalm 6:5; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10); it doesn’t continue in an Adam and Eve, God presented a choice be-
altered form. tween two ways of life. He clearly instructed
There is a spiritual element to man’s existence, but it is nothing like the concept these first human beings to partake of the tree
of an immortal soul (see “The Spirit in Man,” page 4).
Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, human beings can be reconciled to
God’s gift of life to come God, and God’s forgiveness of their sin will remove the death penalty.
Many passages reveal that our only hope for eternal life lies in being resur-
rected from the dead in a transformed body just as Jesus Christ was. (For a thor- of life. As their Creator, God wanted them to 5:12). All have fallen short of God’s revealed
ough explanation of what really occurs at death and afterward, and the many mis- develop a close personal relationship with Him. way of life (Romans 3:23). Humanity to this
The tree of life in the Garden of Eden symbol- day continues in that way, which leads to death
conceptions associated with the afterlife, be sure to write for our booklets Heaven
ized an obedient relationship leading to eternal (verses 9-12).
and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach? and What Happens After Death?)
life (Genesis 2:9; 3:22). For that reason God’s plan includes a Savior,
Moreover, the Bible also makes it clear that being resurrected to immortality However, there was another option—one the Messiah—“the [sacrificial] Lamb of God
comes only through the gracious mercy of God: “For the wages of sin is death that would lead to disaster! Instead of choosing who takes away the sin of the world” (John
[not immortal life in some other form or place], but the gift of God is eternal life life through obeying Him, they could select a 1:29). Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, human
in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). life of deciding for themselves what is right and beings can be reconciled to God, and God’s
Eternal life is the gift God has in store for those who turn from the way of sin and wrong in disobedience to God. Another tree in forgiveness of their sin will remove the death
begin obeying Him from the heart. Again, it is not something human beings inher- the garden symbolized this choice—the tree of penalty (Colossians 1:20-22).
ently possess. Rather, it is something God offers to us—if we turn from our old the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16- With God’s forgiveness and help, man can
sinful ways and, through Christ, accept His forgiveness and direction for our life. 17; 3:1-6). God explicitly commanded them be set back on course to receiving from Him
This is what He wants for everyone: “God our Savior . . . desires all men to be not to take from this tree, but He didn’t prevent the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23; 8:11).
saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). He is “not them from doing so. He allowed them free will. The destiny of man lies in this eternal life. (Read
willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). By their determined actions, Adam and Eve about how human beings can be reconciled
God desires to give us the precious gift of life forevermore. He will do everything rejected the way of living that God had com- to God in our free booklets Transforming Your
Designpics
He can to ensure that we receive the eternal destiny He has planned for us! manded (Genesis 3:6). Rather than relying on Life: The Process of Conversion and The Road
But just what is that destiny? Let’s look further at what the Bible reveals. God to show them the right way to live, they to Eternal Life.)
8 What Is Your Destiny? God’s
Own Literal Children 9
God’s Own and female He created them” (verses 26-27). Men and women are created in
God’s image and likeness, to be like Him.
This language concerns family. Consider that it was after creating plants and
Literal Children animals to reproduce each “according to its kind” that God said, “Let Us make
man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (verse 26). This shows that man
was created according to the “God kind.” Indeed, to help us understand the paral-
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cripture reveals that all people have descended from the first two human lel with God creating man in His image and likeness, Genesis 5:3 says that the
beings, Adam and Eve. We are their extended family. Through direct cre- first man Adam later “begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named
ation in God’s likeness, Adam was a son of God (Luke 3:38; compare him Seth.” So God was essentially
Genesis 5:1-3). Therefore, since we are descended from Adam, we are reproducing Himself through human-
also children of God. God is our Father because He fathered our first human ity. We’ll see more about this shortly.
father. As Acts 17:28-29 tells us, “We are the offspring of God.” God makes it clear that His family
But God’s purpose goes far beyond the creation of mortal, perishable human includes people who are now physical
beings. He is in the process of fashioning and forming “a new creation” (2 Cor- men and women, both sons and
inthians 5:17), fathering His own spiritual children—immortal and incorruptible daughters: “For you are all sons of
children imbued with His very nature and character. God through faith in Christ Jesus. For
The more we understand just what that means, the more awestruck we will as many of you as were baptized into
become—at not only the majesty of God’s purpose but at what this entails for Christ have put on Christ. There is
each of us personally. neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
A family in God’s image That family relationship—our becoming children of God the Father
Paul explains this new creation by contrasting the “old self, which is being cor- —is the heart and core of God’s incredible plan for humanity!
rupted by its deceitful desires,” with the “new self, created to be like God in true
righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV). slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
Paul is describing a much-needed spiritual transformation in people. It first (Galatians 3:26-28).
involves a change in a person’s nature and character. This is followed by the The Bible often collectively refers to physical children of both genders as
resurrection—a total metamorphosis into a spirit being with eternal life. “sons” because that was the custom at the time the Bible was written. That cus-
God is accomplishing this transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. tom has continued in many languages over the centuries. In the Hebrew and
A biblical term for this spiritual transformation is salvation. Paul describes those Greek languages, in which the Bible was originally written, “sons” was used
who will receive salvation as the children of God: “The Spirit itself [that is, God’s to refer to “descendants” generally. We similarly use the words mankind and
Holy Spirit] beareth witness with our spirit [our individual human spirit], that we brethren in a collective sense to include both sexes.
are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs God also tells us, “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18). Just as both men
together” (Romans 8:16-17, King James Version). and women are God’s children through physical creation, so both can be God’s
Can we start to grasp the significance of Paul’s inspired statement? It explains children through spiritual means.
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 people to come to the knowl- Truly God’s children?
edge of the truth. God, the Scriptures tell us, is creating a family—His own family. But when God calls us His children and instructs us to call Him our Father,
We have the priceless opportunity to be a part of that family, the family of God! is this meant in a real sense? Is God actually engendering a family of others like
That family relationship—our becoming children of God the Father—is the Himself through a process of reproduction? Or is this meant in the same sense as
heart and core of God’s incredible plan for humanity! God being a Father to the human race through creation?
From the beginning this purpose has been clearly stated by God. Note again By act of creation God is also a Father to the angels, calling them “sons of
iStockphoto
the words of Genesis 1: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, God” in Job 38:7. But there is a more important sense in which He desires to be
according to Our likeness . . . So God created man in His own image; . . . male a Father to human beings—a privilege not bestowed on the angels.
We can start to see this in the book of Hebrews: “For to which of the angels did which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (2:10-11).
He ever say, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You’? And again: ‘I will be Jesus is to be the “firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). These must
to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son’?” (1:5). In this passage, a compari- be “born of the Spirit” (John 3:6) to become like Him, who now, as a “life-giving
son is being drawn between the status of the angels and that of Jesus Christ, the spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45), sits “at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
divine Son of God. Yet there is an application to human beings here as well. Indeed, they will yet join Him in glory as fellow “sons of the resurrection”
Jesus, we must recognize, stands in a unique position as God’s “only begotten (Luke 20:36)—Christ being the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18;
Son” (John 1:18; 3:16; 1 John 4:9). As the divine Word, He was God with the Revelation 1:5).
Father before His human conception (John 1:1-3, 14). Then, through God the Thus it should be plain that Spirit-converted Christians truly and literally
Father exercising the power of the Holy Spirit, He was supernaturally conceived become God’s children through spiritual regeneration—being begotten again
as the human being Jesus Christ in the womb of Mary while she was yet a virgin through the Holy Spirit to new life. So God really is producing us according to His
(Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20). “kind,” as Genesis 1 implies—not just as physical models in the flesh but as spiri-
Jesus had no immediate human father. Rather, God the Father was directly His tual entities like Himself (John 4:24). A few verses have been read to say that
Father in even a physical sense through the Holy Spirit. Simultaneously, Jesus Christians are adopted sons of God rather than His actual begotten sons, but this is
was also begotten of the Father to spiritual life through the same Spirit (compare based on a misunderstanding (see “Adoption or Sonship?” beginning on page 16).
John 5:26; 6:63). And at His resurrection, following His death, Christ returned to
His former glory with the Father, having prayed just before He died, “And now, We will be like Jesus Christ
O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You Recognizing that we’re made in God’s image and to follow in Christ’s footsteps
before the world was” (John 17:5). into future glory, let’s give further thought to what this entails. How completely
While other human beings are not physically conceived the supernatural way can we be like God when all is said and done?
Christ was, they can follow Him in being spiritually fathered by God—though God’s purpose is to make us fully like Jesus Christ! In Ephesians 4 Paul makes
later in their physical existence. Converted Christians are also referred to as this clear. He explains that members of God’s Church are to “come . . . to the
“begotten” of God (1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 5:1, 18, KJV), as children of God (John measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (verse 13). Paul’s comment in
1:12; Romans 8:16, 21; 1 John 3:1-2), as sons of God (Matthew 5:9; Romans Galatians 4:19, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ
8:14, 19; Galatians 3:26) and, as earlier stated, as God’s “sons and daughters” is formed in you,” expresses the same concept in different words.
(2 Corinthians 6:18). Do you glimpse the significance of what Paul is saying in explaining that we
Indeed, they are described in 1 Peter 1:23 as “having been begotten again, not will have the fullness of Christ? We can become fully and completely like Jesus
of corruptible seed [Greek sperma—that is, not of a male sperm cell fertilizing a Christ, with His character formed in us. But that’s not all!
female egg to produce only mortal, perishable life], but of incorruptible, through As we’ve seen, Jesus, the Son of God, is also God the Son. He is God along
the word of God, which liveth and abideth” (American Standard Version). with God the Father—two divine Beings united in profound oneness (for more
This incorruptible, imperishable life to which they are led by Scripture comes on this, see “The God Family” beginning on page 12.)
by God implanting His Spirit within them, for “the Spirit alone gives eternal life” As Jesus is God’s Son, our destiny is also to be the immortal children of God.
(John 6:63, New Living Translation). Indeed, the Holy Spirit is the agency of Of course, Jesus is God’s Son in a unique way, as we’ve seen. Unlike us, He was
spiritual conception. Note again Paul’s words in Romans 8:16: “The Spirit itself the divine Word of God from eternity with the Father (John 1:1). Nevertheless,
beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (KJV). And the New Testament declares that Jesus is, as we’ve also seen, “the firstborn
through that Spirit it becomes possible for us to be “partakers of the divine among many brethren” (Romans 8:29) and makes clear that His followers are
nature” (2 Peter 1:4), the very nature of God. also the sons of God.
Returning to the book of Hebrews, we should understand that the language of The apostle John explains what this ultimately means: “Behold what manner
being begotten by God, while not applicable to the angels, is applicable not just to of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
Jesus Christ but also to His followers. “Angels,” we are told, “are only servants— . . . Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what
spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation” (1:14, NLT). we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we
These converted human beings are God’s children, Christ’s brothers who, like shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:1-3).
Him, are begotten of God. Christ, we are further told, is “bringing many sons to Human beings inducted into the family God is creating will ultimately be glo-
glory . . . For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all rified spirit beings like the resurrected Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20-21), who
of one [that is, of the same Father or the same family, other translations note], for reigns over the universe in His glorified state at the right hand of God the Father.
This is what is meant by Daniel’s description of righteous people in the future The awesome potential of any person, as it is presented to us in God’s Word,
“shin[ing] . . . like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:2-3, NRSV). Human seems so incredible that most people cannot grasp this biblical truth when they
beings resurrected to eternal life will be like the glorified Jesus Christ! first read it. Although it is plainly stated in the Bible, people usually read right
But what does this really mean? Consider that human children are like their over it. In fact, this awesome future is the whole purpose and reason that God
parents and like their brothers and sisters. They are all the same kind of beings— made mankind. It is why we were born, why we exist!
human beings. In the same way, ultimately God’s children will be like Him and
like Jesus Christ their divine Brother. You are gods?
Jesus Christ, God the Son, is like God the Father—with the same kind of glory Let’s get to the heart of this matter. The Jews of Jesus’ day accused Him of
and power. These passages of Scripture tell us that God’s other children, glorified blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God: “Because You, being a Man, make
when resurrected, will be like the Father and Christ! They will be the same kind of Yourself God” (John 10:33).
beings the Father and Christ are—divine beings, as hard as that may be to believe! Notice His intriguing response: “Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your
The God Family power, mind, life and shared essence of God sons He is in the process of bringing to glory,
(compare Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Romans as the rest of this booklet explains.
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cripture clearly states that there is only rather than using the singular pronouns “Me” 15:13; Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Irenaeus, a second-century bishop, was right
one God (Isaiah 46:9; Malachi 2:10; or “My,” God uses the plural pronouns “Us” or John 4:24; 5:26; 6:63). when he observed: “There is none other called
Romans 3:30; James 2:19). Neverthe- “Our” (1:26; 3:22). The New Testament re- Furthermore, contrary to the Trinitarian view God by the Scriptures except the Father of all,
less, it is evident that the one God comprises veals two Beings as God—God the Father and that the Father and Son are coequal in author- and the Son, and those who possess the adop-
more than one Being existing together as a di- the Word, the One who became Jesus Christ ity (along with the Holy Spirit), Jesus Christ not tion [i.e., sonship as God’s children]” (Against
vine family (compare Ephesians 3:14-15)—of (John 1:1-3, 14). Heresies, Book 4, preface; compare Book 3,
which the human family is a physical type. Christ’s title the Word refers to His position chap. 6). Note that there is no hint here of a
The Hebrew word translated “God” through- as the One who speaks and acts on the Fa- Trinitarian formula in this early time period. That
out the Old Testament is Elohim, a plural noun ther’s behalf (compare John 8:26-28; 12:49- doctrine wasn’t formulated until much later.
pointing to more than one almighty Being— 50; 14:10). Numerous passages refer to Jesus Again, God is a family—presently consist-
essentially “Gods.” However, it is normally sin- Christ as God (Isaiah 9:6; John 20:27-28; ing of two divine Beings, the Father and Christ,
gular in usage when referring to the true God of 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8-9). but with more to come who will likewise bear
Israel, being paired in such cases with singular The plural aspect of God is often taken as the family name. Indeed, the human family was
verbs and adjectives. Where such passages evidence supporting the doctrine of the Trinity, meant as a lesser model or type of this greater
are quoted in the New Testament, the Greek which maintains that God is three distinct per- spiritual reality. Marriage is another aspect of
word used to translate the term is the singular sons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in a single this, as it is God’s intention for those who are
Theos, meaning God. being. Yet this idea runs counter to reason and
We have a comparable example in Ameri- sound logic. The human family was meant as a lesser model or type of this
can English of a noun being plural in form but More importantly, this doctrine is unscrip- greater spiritual reality—that God is a family.
singular in usage—the national name United tural. Again, God—that is, the God family—at
States. While the plural form represents a true present comprises God the Father and God only said, “My Father . . . is greater than all” added to His family to enter a divine marriage
plurality of states, singular usage shows the the Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is never (John 10:29), but He even said, “My Father is relationship with Jesus Christ, the human cov-
constituent states to form a unit. We might listed in Scripture as a third person who is also greater than I” (14:28; see also 1 Corinthians enant being patterned after the higher, God-
say, “The United States is going to intervene,” God. For instance, the apostle Paul says we 11:3; 15:27-28). plane relationship (compare Ephesians 5:22-
but not—since the country’s early years— are to be aspiring to understand the “mystery The Trinity doctrine has done much to ob- 23; Revelation 19:7-9).
“The United States are . . .” Thus there is one of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in scure the plain truth of Scripture that God is a To learn more about what the Bible has to
United States made up of a plurality of states whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom family. God is the name of the Father, and it is say on these matters, be sure to send for or
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that are united. Even so, there is one God con- and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3). There is also the name of the Son—as well as of both download our free booklets Jesus Christ: The
sisting of more than one divine Being. Indeed, no mention here of the Holy Spirit. of Them together. Moreover, God intends for Real Story, Who Is God? and Marriage and
in two telling places in the book of Genesis, The Holy Spirit is not a person but is the this family name to also be the name of other Family: The Missing Dimension.
law [in Psalm 82:6], “I said, ‘You are gods’”? If He [God] called them gods, to But we must be careful here. Human beings are not literally gods—not yet, at
whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of any rate. Indeed, people initially are not literally even God’s children, except in
Him whom the Father sanctified the sense that He created humanity and did so in His image and likeness.
and sent into the world, “You are God is eternal spirit. Human beings are mortal flesh, albeit with a spiritual
blaspheming,” because I said, “I component, as noted earlier—the human spirit that gives us understanding. This
am the Son of God”?’” (John is an important distinction.
10:34-36). In Psalm 82, when human beings are referred to as gods—in the sense of being
In other words, said Christ, God’s offspring intended to represent Him in authority and judgment throughout
“if Scripture outright called the earth—they are still declared imperfect and subject to corruption and death.
human beings gods, why are So they are of the divine family in only a restricted sense.
you upset when I merely state One aspect of this is that man has been created in God’s image and likeness on
that I am God’s Son?” a physical, mortal level with limited dominion, resembling God but without His
Yet are human beings actu- divine character and glory. Another aspect of this is that man has the ultimate
ally gods? What did He mean? potential of becoming the same kind of beings the Father and Christ now are.
In Psalm 82:6, from which In fact, God often “calleth those things which be not as though they were”
(Romans 4:17, KJV)—looking on His purpose as already accomplished. Amaz-
The Spirit-begotten Christian is a child of God, an actual member ingly, God’s purpose is to exalt human beings from this fleshly existence to the
of the God family—but not yet in an ultimate sense. As children, we same level of divine spirit existence that He has, as we will see.
must still go through a development process in this life—a period Toward the ultimate outcome—divine glory
of building godly character, becoming more and more like God. This involves the process mentioned earlier of spiritual reproduction in which
God fathers us as His children. Indeed, with a fuller picture now of what God is
Jesus quoted, God says to human beings, “I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are doing, let’s revisit that for a moment. The spiritual reproductive process starts
children of the Most High.’” The key here is the word children, just as we’ve seen with God’s Spirit joining with our human spirit. Again: “The Spirit itself beareth
in other verses. We must understand that God is a family—a divine family of more witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16, KJV).
than one person. There is one God (the God family) comprising more than one Through this miraculous union, we become “partakers of the divine nature”
God Being. (Again, see “The God Family” beginning on page 12.) (2 Peter 1:4).
As noted earlier, the God family from the beginning comprised two divine Thus the Spirit-begotten Christian is a child of God, an actual member of the
Beings—God and the Word, the latter becoming flesh 2,000 years ago as the Son God family—but not yet in an ultimate sense. As children, we must still go
of God, Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3, 14). After Jesus’ human life and death, He was through a development process in this life—a period of building godly character,
resurrected to divine spirit existence as the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians becoming more and more like God in the way we think and behave. And at the
1:18) and “firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). Thus Jesus was end of this life, in the resurrection at Christ’s return, true Christians will be
spiritually born in the resurrection as the first of many “brethren” or children to changed into divine spirit beings like the Father and Christ.
follow later. Look once again at this amazing truth recorded by the apostle John: “Beloved,
Again, as pointed out at the beginning of this chapter, Acts 17:28-29 states now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall
that human beings are God’s “offspring” (the Greek word genos here meaning be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see
“kindred,” “race, “kind,” “stock” or “family”). And as we saw from Genesis 1, Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).
God’s purpose in creating man in His own image and likeness was to make him In fact, to expand on this, we are told in numerous passages of Scripture that we
according to the “God kind”—to thus reproduce Himself through mankind. will receive the divine glory of the Father and Christ: “In his kindness God called
Psalm 82 is much easier to understand in this light. In verse 6 the word gods is you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:10, NLT; see
equated with “children of the Most High.” That makes perfect sense. When any also Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:14;
PictureQuest
entity bears offspring, its offspring are the same kind of entity. The offspring of Colossians 1:27; Hebrews 2:10).
cats are cats. The offspring of dogs are dogs. The offspring of human beings are Moreover, as coinheritors with Christ, we will receive dominion over all
human beings. The offspring of God are, in Christ’s own words, “gods.” things, including the entire vast universe—dominion just as Christ has (compare
Adoption or Sonship? begets us spiritually in His own image—with the childhood to adulthood—typically around 14 or a
intention that we ultimately become the same little later. In a formal public ceremony, having put
A
s this booklet makes clear, Scripture re- by Joseph, who was not His real father—that kind of beings He and Jesus Christ now are. aside his childhood toga, he would appear in the
veals that man’s destiny is to be fathered being God the Father.) So what was Paul talking about? While huio- toga virilis (toga of manhood), mark of citizenship
by God in an actual sense, with His Holy Yet there are problems in applying the termi- thesia (placing or setting as a son) was certainly and his right to now vote in the assembly:
Spirit implanted into our minds to engender us as nology of adoption to our relationship with God. applicable to adoption, Paul obviously meant it in “When the boy was ready, the procession to
His literal begotten children. Yet a few verses from Some might imagine that we are transferred a different sense. the Forum began. The father had gathered his
the apostle Paul have been interpreted to say that from our biological parentage or from the devil We can start to see what he means in Gala- slaves, freedmen, clients, relatives and friends,
God adopts us rather than directly begets us as as a father (see John 8:44) to God as our new tians 4:1-5, where the NIV translates the word as using all his influence to make his son’s escort
His children. What difference does it make? And parent. Yet all human beings are ultimately God’s numerous and impos-
what is the truth of the matter? offspring from the start even biologically (Acts Scripture makes clear that God actually begets ing. Here the boy’s name
As typically rendered, Romans 8:15 says that 17:28-29)—as He was the Father of Adam and us spiritually in His own image—with the inten- was added to the list
Christians “have received the Spirit of adoption, Eve by creation (Luke 3:38) and because He is of citizens, and formal
whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (KJV). Verse 23 involved in the procreative process in the womb tion that we ultimately become the same kind congratulations were ex-
says that we “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, (Psalm 139:13-16). of beings He and Jesus Christ now are. tended . . . Finally they
even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eager- Satan has been a father to people only in the all returned to the house,
ly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our sense of wielding dominion and influence over “full rights of sons.” Notice why from the context: where the day ended with a dinner party given by
body.” The next chapter says that Israel, God’s them and raising them in his way. Yet they are “What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a the father in honour of the new Roman citizen”
nation, was given the promise of, according to truly God’s children—and He redeems them child, he is no different from a slave, although he (Roman Children,” ClassicsUnveiled.com).
most English translations, “adoption” (9:4). Simi- (buys them back) through His plan of salvation. owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians A son’s status was elevated at this point.
larly, Galatians 4:5 and Ephesians 1:5 in the New Moreover, when God spiritually engenders us as and trustees until the time set by his father. So He was now legally invested with all the rights,
King James Version both use the phrase “adop- His own children, produced from His own being, also, when we were children, we were in slavery powers and privileges of a son and heir of his
tion as sons” for the standing God gives us. this in no way equates to adoption. under the basic principles of the world. But when father—and of a citizen.
A number of versions, however, instead use Vine’s states: “The KJV, ‘adoption of children’ the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of This coming of age at maturity must be
the term “sonship” or something like it, as the is a mistranslation and misleading. God does not a woman, born under law, to redeem those under what Paul is referring to. God has begotten
New International Version does in Romans 8:15. ‘adopt’ believers as children; they are begotten as law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” us as His children. And in one sense He reckons
In its entry on “adoption,” Vine’s Complete Ex- such by His Holy Spirit through faith.” This is im- (verses 1-5, NIV). us as already having reached a certain matu-
pository Dictionary of Old and New Testament portant to recognize—as it directly impacts our Note that in the parallel the one receiving the rity—considering us beyond the status of being
Words (1985) explains that the original Greek destiny. In human adoption, the adopted children huiothesia (the setting as a son) was already the as slaves to being set as sons with certain privi-
word here is “huiothesia . . . from huios, ‘a are human just as much as the new parents— child of his father who was setting him as such. leges (even though we are as mere babes!). Yet
son,’ and thesis, ‘a placing,’ akin to tithemi, ‘to yet only because the children were adopted from So this circumstance was not adoption. the fullness of our coming of age is yet future—at
place’”—so the placing as a son. Scholars have other human parents who physically begot them. Paul’s imagery fit well with the Roman world the time of “the revealing of the sons of God” in
noted that this word was used a few times in the But if God merely adopted us and did not truly be- of the time. Historian Will Durant tells us: “The the resurrection (Romans 8:19).
ancient Greek world in reference to adoption, get us in His image, we would be different kinds child found itself absorbed into the most basic Notice Romans 8:23 in the New Living Trans-
and that is certainly fitting. of beings from Him altogether—as He would not and characteristic of Roman institutions—the lation: “And even we Christians, although we
Adoption means taking a child of other parents be adopting us from others like Himself. It could patriarchal family. The power of the father was have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of
as one’s own son or daughter. It is a wonderful be likened in some sense to adopting a pet as a nearly absolute . . . He alone of the family had future glory, also groan to be released from pain
and noble act to provide a home and family to one family member (albeit one that could talk). any rights before the law in the early Republic . . . and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day
who needs it—and it is typically a great blessing Sadly, this is close to what many envision— Over his children he had the power of life, death, when God will give us our full rights as his chil-
to both the adoptive parents and the child. There that we are and forever will be totally different, and sale into slavery” (The Story of Civilization, dren [huiothesia], including the new bodies he
are many who accept and love their adopted chil- lesser kinds of beings than God. And so they have Vol. 3: Caesar and Christ, 1972, p. 57). By Paul’s has promised us.”
dren as much as they would a child of their own no problem with taking the Greek word in ques- day this had softened somewhat, but it was still So these verses from Paul do not in any way
body—as well they should, for he or she is a hu- tion in the verses we’ve seen to mean adoption. generally the case. take away from our destiny as God’s full and lit-
man being made in the image of God. (Consider But this notion of God’s purpose for us is not the During a boy’s teen years, his father would eral children. Indeed, they only confirm and clarify
that Jesus Christ Himself was essentially adopted truth, as Scripture makes clear that God actually determine when it was time for him to pass from this incredible biblical truth!
Romans 8:17; Hebrews 1:1-3; 2:5-9; Revelation 21:7). To truly exercise domin- wholly unlike the New Age concept of absorption into universal consciousness
ion over all things—including the raging thermonuclear furnaces of 50 billion or seeing oneself as inherently and presently divine. Notice the remarkable
trillion suns and every subatomic particle of every atom of every molecule in the explanation of the early Catholic theologian Tertullian, writing around A.D. 200:
cosmic expanse—requires the omnipotent power of God. “It would be impossible that another God could be admitted, when it is permit-
And what about our minds? As human beings, we couldn’t count all the indi- ted to no other being to possess anything of God. Well, then, you say, at that rate
vidual stars of the universe, at one per second, in a trillion lifetimes. But God, in we ourselves possess nothing of God. But indeed we do, and will continue to do
a passing remark, says He knows all the stars by name (Psalm 147:4). Amazingly, so. Only it is from Him that we receive it, and not from ourselves. For we will be
Paul states, “Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known even gods, if we deserve to be among those of whom He declared, ‘I have said,
[that is, by God]” (1 Corinthians 13:12), showing that we will possess the omni- “You are gods,”’ and ‘God stands in the congregation of the gods.’ But this comes
science of God. And why not, for we will have the Holy Spirit, the mind of God, of His own grace, not from any property in us. For it is He alone who can make
in full! gods” (Against Hermogenes, chap. 5, Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 3, p. 480, quoted
Consider this: Converted human beings are to one day possess divine nature, in “Deification of Man,” David Bercot, editor, A Dictionary of Early Christian
divine glory and total power over the creation, sharing God’s infinite knowledge. Beliefs, 1998, p. 200).
All of this requires nothing less than divinity! Indeed, this was the standard view during the early Christian centuries (see
Indeed, at that time, like Jesus, we will at last be “filled with all the fullness of “Early Theologians on Becoming Divine” beginning on page 20).
God” (Ephesians 3:19; compare Colossians 1:19; 2:9). How can someone be More recent authors have also glimpsed this biblical truth. C.S. Lewis, perhaps
filled with all the fullness of God and be anything less than what God is? There- the most popular Christian writer of the last century, wrote: “The command Be ye
fore, at our ultimate change, we too will be divine—though the Father and Christ perfect [Matthew 5:48] is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impos-
will forever be greater than us. sible. He is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command. He said
(in the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is going to make good His words.
The teaching of deification “If we let Him—for we can prevent Him, if we choose—He will make the fee-
This biblical truth will surely come as quite a shock to those who have heard blest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, a dazzling, radiant, immortal crea-
only the traditional view of mainstream Christianity regarding the ultimate ture, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we
reward of the righteous. Yet those who might be quick to assail this teaching will cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to God per-
perhaps be even more surprised to learn that many early “church fathers” of fectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) His own boundless power and
mainstream tradition—not so far removed from early apostolic teaching—did delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that
understand this incredible truth, at least in part. And hints of this are sometimes is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what He said” (Mere Christianity,
seen even today. 1996, p. 176).
Notice paragraphs 398 and 460 of the current Catechism of the Catholic Church
(1995), footnoted sources in brackets: The ultimate family relationship
“Created in a state of holiness, man was destined to be fully ‘divinized’ by God Of course, this matter requires some important clarification. The Bible’s teach-
in glory [but sinned] . . . ing is not that we will somehow mystically become a singular being with God,
“The Word [Jesus Christ] became flesh to make us ‘partakers of the divine losing our individual identities. The reality is that God is a family. And just as
nature’ [2 Peter 1:4]: ‘For this is why the Word [Christ] became man, and the Son individual members of a human family are distinct entities with unique identities,
of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the so will it be in the God family.
Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God’ [Irenaeus Yet through the Holy Spirit the members of the God family will share a special
(2nd century), Against Heresies Book 3, chap. 19, sec. 1]. oneness of mind, purpose and nature that goes far beyond the common identity
“‘For the Son of God became man so that we might become God’ [Athanasius and union that is possible within the human family.
(4th century), On the Incarnation of the Word, chap. 54, sec. 3]. ‘The only- Indeed, there is only one God, but that God is a family. The term gods in refer-
begotten Son of God, wanting to make us share in his divinity, assumed our ence to our destiny is really meant to distinguish multiple God beings constituting
nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods’ [Thomas Aquinas (13th the one God—the one God meaning the one God family. As mentioned before,
century), Opusculum 57, lectures 1-4]” (pp. 112, 128-129, emphasis added). there are at present two fully divine members of the God family—two distinct
This teaching is even more prevalent in Eastern Orthodox tradition, where it is Beings—God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ. And, as incredible as it
known by the Greek term theosis, meaning “divinization” or “deification.” It is sounds, there will be more to come.
God has declared, as we earlier saw, “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be Father, and Christ will Himself be subject to the Father (see 1 Corinthians 15:24-
My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18). And He 28). The Father and Christ will remain at the top of the family forever, reigning
means it. The Father intends to bring us forth as His full children, to transform us supreme even with the addition of billions of divine children.
into the very kind of beings that He and Christ now are—though, again, forever This, then, is why you and I were born! It is the ultimate potential destiny of
subject to Their loving authority and leadership. all mankind. It is the awe-inspiring purpose for which we were created. As Jesus
Indeed, even though saved human beings truly will be elevated to existence at quoted, foreseeing our destiny reached, “I said, ‘You are gods.’” Our future can’t
the divine level as real children of God and full members of the God family, they get any higher or better than that!
will never challenge, individually or collectively, the preeminence of the Father Next we will see how you can become part of the immortal family of God and
and Christ as leaders of the family. Truly, all will be subject to Jesus, except the examine further details about the wonderful life that lies in store for us.
Early Theologians on Becoming Divine tion . . . Then become pure in heart, and near Deity, (by [this] condescension,) does not dimin-
to the Lord, there awaits them restoration to ev- ish anything of the divinity of His divine perfec-
W
hile the biblical concept of deification or gods; and you are all sons of the Highest [Psalm erlasting contemplation; and they are called by tion; having made you even God unto His glory!”
divinization—exaltation to godhood— 82:6]” (Against Heresies, Book 4, chap. 38). the appellation of gods, being destined to sit on (Refutation of All Heresies, Book 10, chap. 30).
is commonly ignored or dismissed “How, then, shall he be a God, who has not thrones with the other gods that have been first Origen (ca. 185-255): “The first-born of
in modern Christian teaching, this doctrine as yet been made a man? Or how can he be put in their places by the Saviour [or, some trans- all creation [Christ], who is the first to be with
was well established among early theologians perfect who was but lately created? How, again, late, ‘with the other gods who are ranked next God, and to attract to Himself divinity, is a be-
of mainstream tradition. Though the writings can he be immortal, who in his mortal nature did below the Savior’]” (Stromata [Miscellanies], ing of more exalted rank than the other gods
of these men are not always biblically accu- not obey his Maker? For it must be that you, at Book 7, chap. 10). beside Him, of whom God is the God, as it is
rate, the following quotes from their writings the outset, should hold the rank of a man, and Tertullian (ca. 160-230): “It will be im- written, The God of gods, the Lord, has spoken
demonstrate that in the first centuries after the then afterwards partake of the glory of God” possible that another god should be admit- and called the earth [Psalm 50:1]. It was by the
New Testament was written many still under- (Against Heresies, Book 4, chap. 39). ted, when it is permitted to no other being to offices of the first-born that they became gods,
stood the clear implications of its teachings on “There is none other called God by the Scrip- possess anything of God. Well, then, you say, for He drew from God in generous measure that
this subject: tures except the Father of all, and the Son, and we ourselves at that rate possess nothing of they should be made gods, and He communi-
Justin Martyr (ca. 100-165): “[By Psalm those who possess the adoption [i.e., sonship God. But indeed we do, and shall continue to cated it to them according to His own bounty.
82] it is demonstrated that all men are deemed as God’s children]” (Against Heresies, Book 4, do—only it is from Him that we receive it, and The true God, then, is The God, and those who
worthy of becoming gods, and of having power preface; compare Book 3, chap. 6). not from ourselves. For we shall be even gods, are formed after Him are gods, images, as it
to become sons of the Highest” (Dialogue With Clement of Alexandria (ca. 150-215): “Yea, if we shall deserve to be among those of whom were, of Him the prototype” (Commentary on
Trypho, chap. 124). I say, the Word of God [Christ] became man, He declared, I have said, You are gods [Psalm the Gospel of John, Book 2, chap. 2).
“We have learned that those only are deified that you may learn from man how man may 82:6], and, God stands in the congregation of Athanasius (ca. 293-373): “For He [Christ]
who have lived near to God in holiness and virtue” become God” (Exhortation to the Heathen, the gods [verse 1]. But this comes of His own was made man that we might be made God”
(First Apology, chap. 21). chap. 1). grace, not from any property in us, because (On the Incarnation of the Word, chap. 54,
Theophilus of Antioch (ca. 163-182): “If he “But that man with whom the Word dwells it is He alone who can make gods” (Against sec. 3).
[man] would incline to the things of immortality, . . . his is beauty, the true beauty, for it is God; Hermogenes, chap. 5). “He [Christ] was God, and then became
keeping the commandment of God, he should and that man becomes God, since God so wills. Hippolytus (ca. 170-236): “And you shall man, and that to deify us” (Four Discourses
receive as a reward from Him immortality, and Heraclitus [the ancient Greek poet], then, rightly possess an immortal body . . . And you shall Against the Arians, Discourse 1, chapter 11,
should become God” (To Autolycus, Book 2, said, Men are gods, and gods are men” (The be a companion of the Deity, and a co-heir with sec. 39).
chap. 27). Instructor, Book 3, chap. 1). Christ, no longer enslaved by lusts or passions, Augustine of Hippo (354-430): “But He
Irenaeus (ca. 130-200): “For we cast blame “It leads us to the endless and perfect end, and never again wasted by disease. For you that justifies does Himself deify, in that by jus-
upon Him [God], because we have not been teaching us beforehand the future life that we have become God . . . These [things] God has tifying He does make sons of God. ‘For He has
made gods from the beginning, but at first shall lead, according to God, and with gods promised to bestow upon you, because you have given them power to become the sons of God’
merely men, then at length gods; although God . . . After which redemption the reward and the been deified, and begotten unto immortality . . . [John 1:12]. If we have been made sons of God,
has adopted this course out of His pure be- honours are assigned to those who have become You shall resemble Him, inasmuch as you shall we have also been made gods” (Expositions on
nevolence . . . He declares, I have said, You are perfect; when they have got done with purifica- have honour conferred upon you by Him. For the the Psalms, On Psalm 50, sec. 2).
22 What Is Your Destiny? Life
in God’s Family 23
Life in God’s Family of God; and . . . everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is
pure” (1 John 3:2-3).
Yet what we are now is nothing compared with what we will be like at Jesus
T
Christ’s return. At that time the faithful children of God will be resurrected from
he grand purpose for which God created mankind is utterly awe-inspiring. physical flesh and blood to immortal spirit so they can share eternity with Him
And realize that this destiny is not only for humanity in a general sense— on His plane of existence.
but it is meant for you personally. God wants to exalt you to share eternal,
divine life with Him and all of His children. A future beyond compare
If God is opening your mind to the awesome potential for which He made Paul describes the marvelous transformation that will occur when the dead are
you, then He is inviting you to be among the forerunners in His plan for mankind resurrected: “There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; and the splendour of
—to be His spiritual son or daughter now in anticipation of the full glory to be the heavenly bodies is one thing, the splendour of the earthly another. The sun has
bestowed at the resurrection of the dead when Jesus Christ returns. a splendour of its own, the moon
Who, then, are the children of God today? Who will yet become part of God’s another splendour and the stars yet
immortal spiritual family? How can you or any of us attain that awesome destiny? another; and one star differs from
And what will life be like when we are ultimately raised to glorified existence? another in brightness.
“So it is with the resurrection
Entering the family of the dead: what is sown as a per-
The Bible explains that those inducted into God’s immortal family must first ishable thing is raised imperish-
sincerely repent of their sins, be baptized and receive the gift of God’s Spirit (Acts able. Sown in humiliation, it is
2:38). By receiving the Holy Spirit, they become converted members of Christ’s raised in glory; sown in weakness,
spiritual body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), which is His Church (Colossians 1:24). it is raised in power; sown a physi-
They await the resurrection at Christ’s return, when they will be given immortality cal body, it is raised a spiritual
(1 Corinthians 15:51-54). body. If there is such a thing as a
Receiving God’s Spirit is essential to conversion. The apostle Paul makes it
clear that you must receive the Holy Spirit to become a part of God’s family and How, then, may you receive God’s Spirit? The apostle Peter
Church: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:9). explained that you must “repent” and “be baptized . . . in the name
Why are those without God’s Spirit not the people of God? Because, as Paul
explains, “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (verse of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive
14). Paul clarifies the relationship of God’s Spirit to salvation: “But if the Spirit of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
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” (verse 11). Only physical body, there is also a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:40-44, Revised
those with God’s Spirit will inherit eternal life. Indeed, it is through the Spirit that English Bible).
we are begotten to spiritual life, as we earlier saw. These verses depict an awesome change indeed—to a brilliance and majesty
How, then, may you receive God’s Spirit? The apostle Peter explained that we can barely conceive of (see “The Likeness of God” beginning on page 26).
you must “repent” and “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgive- That is why Paul says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are
ness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans
NASB). (Real repentance and baptism, which open the way into God’s family, 8:18; see also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
are thoroughly explained in our free booklets Transforming Your Life: The Pro- Do you get the picture? Being resurrected into God’s family as a very child of
cess of Conversion and The Road to Eternal Life. Download or request your free God, a part of God’s own family, is so magnificent that it is futile to try to com-
copies today.) pare it to anything we have ever known. No amount of trials, problems and suf-
God’s children, then, are those who are led by God through His Spirit. The fering in this life could ever approach the priceless gift of eternal life as glorified
Holy Spirit is the power and presence of God working within them (see 2 Timo- children of God in the full likeness of the Father and Jesus Christ. That incredible
Designpics
thy 1:6; Psalm 51:11; Philippians 2:13). Those who receive God’s Spirit are future is what life is all about. That is why you were born.
regarded as the children of God even in this life. “Beloved, now we are children No wonder Paul exclaimed, “The created universe is waiting with eager
expectation for God’s sons to be revealed” (Romans 8:19, REB). More amazing than ruling over physical nations is the fact that even the angels
will be subject to the glorified children of God. As Paul wrote: “Don’t you know
Our role in the Kingdom of God that someday we Christians are going to judge the world? . . . Don’t you realize
The wonderful world of tomorrow will be inaugurated at the return of Jesus that we Christians will judge angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3, NLT). Indeed, as
Christ, who will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). Hebrews 2 says, God “has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in sub-
Every kingdom, power and government will be brought under His divine rule jection to angels” (verse 5)—but rather, as the following verses make clear, to
(Revelation 11:15). He will establish the Kingdom of God on earth. This was the human beings exalted in the family of God, with Jesus Christ as a forerunner in
heart of His message—the gospel, or good news, that He preached (Mark 1:14- this inheritance (verses 6-13; compare 1:13-14).
15). (Be sure to download or request your free copy of our booklet The Gospel of How can we mere human beings ever hope that God the Father and Jesus Christ
the Kingdom to better understand this central theme of both Christ’s message and would share with us such incredible responsibility? Certainly we can never do so
the entire Bible.) while we are still weak, imperfect human beings. Indeed, as so many scriptures
Those sons and daughters of God who have been faithful to Him will share in show, we must be changed.
Christ’s rule. Notice Christ’s promise: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit Paul explained: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit
with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you
throne” (Revelation 3:21). Those who overcome will be given responsibility as a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in
kings and priests of God in that Kingdom (Revelation 1:5-6). the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the
This amazing future was earlier foretold in the Old Testament. For example, dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians
the prophet Daniel was given a vision of Christ receiving His Kingdom from 15:50-52).
God the Father: In fact, we should recognize that the Kingdom of God is not merely the domin-
“I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man ion of God, which human beings will one day share in. Rather, it also concerns a
[Jesus Christ], coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days plane of existence—being changed to experience life with the Father and Christ
[God the Father], and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given on Their level.
dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages It’s worth noting that the term kingdom is sometimes used to classify certain
should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass levels of existence. There is the mineral kingdom, the plant kingdom, the animal
away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed . . . kingdom and, at the top of the physical creation, the human kingdom.
“Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under Above these in the spirit realm is the angelic kingdom. And above all is the
the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His God Kingdom. God intends to raise man from the human kingdom, over the
kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him” angelic kingdom, to the God Kingdom—the Kingdom of God. Indeed, in an ulti-
(Daniel 7:13-14, 27). Again, the “saints of the Most High”—that is, those who are mate sense, the Kingdom of God is synonymous with the ruling family of God,
sanctified or set apart as holy, meaning all of God’s true followers—will be kings all members of which will share the full nature of God.
and rulers with Jesus Christ.
This shared divine rule over the physical nations of the earth will have a tiered Perfected in loving character
structure of administration. For instance, we are told that King David will again The rule of Christ and His glorified followers will be vastly different from the
serve as ruler over all Israel while the 12 apostles of Christ will be given rule over rule this world has usually experienced. They will serve as true public servants
the 12 individual tribes of Israel (Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Matthew rather than exploit humanity.
19:28). And there will be further gradations under these and in the governance Jesus described the kind of giving, serving, loving leadership that will charac-
of other nations as well. terize those who rule with Him: “Among the Gentiles, kings lord it over their sub-
One of Christ’s parables reveals that the further God’s servants progress in ser- jects and those in authority are given the title Benefactor. Not so with you: on the
vice to Him during this life in proportion to their ability, the greater will be their contrary, the greatest among you must bear himself like the youngest, the one
authority in the coming Kingdom—here represented by each being placed over a who rules like one who serves” (Luke 22:25-26, REB).
different number of cities (Luke 19:11-27). Thus, while those of God’s family God is creating not just a family of kings, but kings who are servants, kings
will share ownership of the earth and will rule it together, it is evident that they who will pass on blessings to those they serve. As Proverbs 29:2 tells us, “When
will have varying degrees of administrative responsibility under Jesus Christ. the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” The whole world will rejoice
Still, every position will be filled with majesty and glory beyond imagining. under the righteous rule of the family of God!
God’s character is based on love—outflowing concern for others—so much so The practice of godly love by the resurrected, immortal children of God will
that the Bible says that “God is love” (1 John 4:8-16). The loving character of produce the wonderful world of the future. God is perfecting the attitude of love
God is also evident in all His children. That loving character is what distinguishes and mercy in His sons and daughters who are the firstfruits of His spiritual har-
the true children of God—what reveals who is really part of His family. As the vest of humanity (James 1:18). They will be children befitting His family, chil-
apostle John wrote: “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are dren who will demonstrate to the remainder of mankind that obedience to God’s
manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who law is the right way of life.
does not love his brother” (1 John 3:10). God is creating in His children His holy and righteous character—the pattern
Jesus taught the same: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your of life, ingrained through habit, of choosing the right way, the way of love, even
neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those against temptation and self-desire. The present life in physical, temporary human
who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully bodies is our training ground toward this end, a time for God’s children to
use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven . . . You develop righteous character—to become like the Father and Christ in our minds
shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-45, 48). and lifestyle.
The Likeness of God rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the when they are glorified at the resurrection to
appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory” (Eze- eternal life—when “those who are wise shall
I
n Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let Us make The “wind” comparison comes from the kiel 1:26-28, Holman Christian Standard Bible). shine like the brightness of the sky, and those
man in Our image, according to Our like- fact that spirit is invisible to human eyes unless The Old Testament appearances of God who lead many to righteousness, like the stars
ness”—the plural “Us” and “Our” denoting physically manifested. Also, spirit can exist in were not of God the Father, since John 1:18 forever and ever” (Daniel 12:2-3, New Revised
both God the Father and the Word who would a formless state, such as God’s Holy Spirit says of Him, “No one has seen God at any
later be born in the flesh as Jesus Christ (John being everywhere, filling the entire universe time” and Jesus said, “You have neither heard
1:1-3, 14). What is meant by God’s image and (Jeremiah 23:24). His voice at any time, nor seen His form” (John
likeness here? God appeared in human form to a few 5:37). Rather, these were appearances of
Most importantly, God made us like Him in people in the Old Testament (Genesis 18; Jesus Christ before His human life. Again,
qualities of mind, such as abstract thought, 32:24, 30; Exodus 24:9-10; Joshua 5:13- though, the Father and Christ share the same
emotion, creativity and planning. But the under- 15). In these manifestations, though, God did image and likeness.
lying Hebrew words used here concern actual not reveal His full, shining glory because the In the New Testament book of Revelation,
form and appearance. The word tselem (“im- intensity would have been unbearable. As God the apostle John saw the glorified Jesus Christ
age”) has the sense of a statue, while demuwth told Moses, “You cannot see My face; for no as “someone ‘like a son of man,’ dressed in
(“likeness”) refers to physical resemblance. man shall see Me and live” (Exodus 33:20). a robe reaching down to his feet and with a
Yet, as John 4:24 tells us, “God is spirit.” Yet Moses, shielded by God’s power, was al-
The Greek word translated “spirit” here and lowed to see God’s radiant form from the back When fully in God’s likeness, we will be able to fulfill our awesome
elsewhere in the New Testament is pneuma. In (verse 23).
responsibility of exercising dominion over—of assisting Him in
the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated A few supernatural visions in Scripture do
“spirit” is ruach. give us glimpses into the awesome appearance managing—the vastness of His creation.
Both these terms can also mean “wind.” of God in His supreme splendor. The prophet
Because wind is formless, some argue that im- Ezekiel recorded what he saw: golden sash around his chest. His head and Standard Version). Then, fully in God’s like-
material spirit cannot have form and shape. Yet “There was a form with the appearance of hair were white like wool, as white as snow, ness, we will be able to fulfill our awesome
in many places in Scripture God and angelic a human on the throne high above. From what and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were responsibility of exercising dominion over—of
spirits are described as having bodily form. seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice assisting Him in managing—the vastness of
Thus it is apparent that spirit must be able to amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it was like the sound of rushing waters . . . His His creation. This is the future God has planned
have form and shape—and God the Father and all around. From what seemed to be His waist face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance” for you, your destiny, if you embrace it fully with
Christ have the same form and shape as the down, I also saw what looked like fire. There was (1:13-16, New International Version). an obedient heart and remain a dedicated and
human beings who are patterned after Them a brilliant light all around Him. The appearance This is a limited description of the likeness faithful follower of God and His teachings as
NASA
on a lesser, material level. of the brilliant light all around was like that of a of God that human beings will also have in full revealed in the Holy Scriptures!
Rest assured, there is no way God will imbue us with His omnipotent power beings will receive the opportunity for everlasting life. Remember, God “desires
and immortality unless we are thoroughly yielded to His direction, walking all men to be saved” and is “not willing that any should perish but that all should
humbly in His way of love and service to others. Thankfully, God helps us to come to repentance” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). Through His wondrous plan,
grow in this way throughout all of humanity will be given the opportunity to learn God’s truth, come to repen-
our lives as we submit to Him. tance and receive salvation. (This wonderful truth is thoroughly explained in our
And when we are fully trans- free booklets What Happens After Death? and Heaven and Hell: What Does the
formed into His likeness at Bible Really Teach?)
the resurrection, we will have Then, as Revelation 21 reveals, there will be a new heaven and new earth—
His perfect loving character as and the city of New Jerusalem will descend to the earth from heaven as the capital
our own. of the universe and the eternal dwelling of God. At last God the Father as well
No vestige will be left of self- as Jesus Christ will live with humanity, now glorified as God’s divine children.
ish human nature—only total, Verse 7 encourages us with these awesome words: “He who overcomes shall
selfless love and care for others inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
just as God has. Thus there will As we saw at the outset, “all things” means the entire universe and spirit realm.
be perfect harmony among all We will have a permanent dwelling with God in the New Jerusalem, but we will
not be confined there or to the earth—or even to this galaxy. Rather, we will have
The analogy of firstfruits is drawn from the agricultural year the freedom to enjoy the entire cosmos, which we will then possess along with
God the Father, Jesus Christ and the rest of the divine family.
of ancient Israel, wherein a smaller spring harvest was followed Of course it may be that, just as there will be different levels of administrative
by a greater late summer and fall harvest. responsibility over the nations during the 1,000-year rule of Christ and His saints,
so the glorified members of
those of God’s family. And with total concern for the good of the governed, God’s God’s family may likewise have
family will reign over the angels and all human beings as yet unchanged. different regions of oversight
throughout the universe. With
Still more to come more than 100 billion galaxies
As pointed out above, God’s converted people of this age, His saints, are of 100 billion stars, there will
the firstfruits of His spiritual harvest of mankind. They are called firstfruits in be plenty of responsibility to
recognition of the fact that more will follow. This analogy is drawn from the go around!
agricultural year of ancient Israel, wherein a spring harvest was followed by In any case, we will be able to
a late summer and fall harvest. travel anywhere within the uni-
This agricultural cycle and related events are commemorated in the annual fes- verse instantaneously—at the
tivals God gave to Israel—as a picture of progressive steps in His great plan of speed of thought—just as God
photos, from left: iStockphoto, Corbis Digital Stock
salvation. (To learn about these, be sure to request or download our free booklet can, and beautify and expand on
God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.)
During the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ and His saints over all nations We will not be confined to the earth—or even to this galaxy.
(Revelation 20:6), represented by the great fall harvest festival, the Feast of Taber- Rather, we will have the freedom to enjoy the entire cosmos,
nacles or Feast of Ingathering, the people of the earth will be taught the way of
salvation and nearly all will ultimately embrace it—so as to later join the saints which we will then possess along with God the Father, Jesus
in being glorified and added to God’s family. Christ and the rest of the divine family.
Following this period is the time of the last judgment, when all who have ever
lived without a proper understanding of God’s truth will be given their only real it under the direction of the Father and Christ. For we will share Their infinite
opportunity for salvation and glorification (compare Revelation 20:5, 11-12; power and mind. To quote the words of the apostle Paul again, “No eye has seen,
Matthew 11:21-24; Ezekiel 37:1-14). no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those
God’s plan is all-encompassing. During this time the vast majority of human who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).
Joy and pleasures forevermore

This future is so transcendent in its magnitude and meaning that it is impos-
sible to really get our minds around it! The truth is that we don’t know all that Free Resources to Help
You Reach Your Destiny!
we will experience when we at last dwell in resplendent glory with God and all
repentant humanity in the age to come, as God has not revealed it and we proba-
bly would not be able to com-
prehend it with our finite minds.
But we can rest assured
that life then will never be
dull and uninteresting. It will
always be filled with new
opportunities and joyful living.
In Psalm 16:11 King David
prayed to God, “You will show
me the path of life; in Your
presence is fullness of joy; at
Your right hand are pleasures
forevermore.”
You were born to become a glorified, immortal member of the God

family—to live and reign with the Father and Christ in joy without
ending, to shine as the stars forever and ever.
Mention of David again brings us back to where we began, with his reflections Subscribe and download at:
in Psalm 8:3-4: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the www.gnmagazine.org
moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful
of him, and the son of man that You visit him?”
The Bible has shown us why God is mindful of mankind: He has planned for
us an astounding future. We have seen that our ultimate destiny, the purpose of
our existence, is to become the divine children of God, who is our Father. He
T
wants to share His very life with us—desiring that we ultimately inherit not only o help you attain your God- way of life. Visit www.gnmagazine.
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Never underestimate the value of your life. You were born to become one of magazine, which regularly features copies. And be sure to download
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glorified, immortal member of the God family—to live and reign with the Father
and Christ in joy without ending, to shine as the stars forever and ever. in the light of Bible prophecy and For intriguing biblical video com-
This is your incredible destiny! May God grant you a heart willing to surrender how to live a God-centered life. mentaries and TV and radio pro-
your life to Him so that you may receive His incomparable gift! We also offer many free book- grams, visit www.beyondtoday.tv.
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