What is a LIFER? Talk 2

L egally righteous (bad record) Someone possessed by the Holy Spirit L egally righteous (bad record) SUBSTITUTION + IMPUTATION JUSTIFICATION Still a sinner, but declared righteous!

God adopts those justified into his family Included in God’s family

God adopts because of Jesus’ work But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. (John 8:44) God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Gal.4:4-5)

1. God gives his adopted children new titles His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge

2. God changes their dread fear to freedom

3. God makes them ‘heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. ’ (Gal

4. God gives them unfailing care, always, forever

5. God gives his children guidance & discipline

Jesus Provides a Perfect Record of Obedience Problem 1 A BAD RECORD Jesus Provides a Perfect Record of Obedience

Problem 2 A BAD MASTER Jesus Provides the Perfect Father We Need

But my heart is still sinful Remember the change of status: from slavery to Satan orphan & enemy of God to freedom from Satan child of God God justly sentences unrepentant sinners, but graciously disciplines his own children. ADOPTION Changes EVERYTHING

Jesus alone gives the right of membership into God’s family

How do I receive Jesus and belong to God’s family? “For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

Legal righteousness Included in God’s family F E R