1. BIBLICAL RIGHTS

2. John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name Notice the wording in this verse. Their faith did not make them children of God. Faith gave them the right start to become children of God James 2:24, 26 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

3. How can you tell who are the true children of God? Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Are there blessings derived from being a child of God? We are able to call God “Father.” Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.'' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

4. We become joint-heirs with Christ. We have an inheritance. Romans 8:1718 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. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us. Matthew 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, `Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:”

5. Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Either version you take the result is the same. Hebrews 5:8-9 tells us that eternal salvation will be given to those who obey Christ. Those who have washed their robes have been pardoned by the blood of Christ.

6. How do we come in contact with blood of Christ? Revelation 1:5 To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, Acts 22:16 “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” We come in contact with the blood of Christ through baptism. Baptism is a command. (Blessed are those who do His commandments)

7. What is the reward? The tree of life Adam because of His disobedience was denied this right. Through our obedience to Christ we receive this right. Entering the city by the gated Those who enter by the gates are those belong there and our welcome. Matthew 25:34 Come, you blessed DO YOU BELONG IN HEAVEN?

8. I said this morning these rights may be forfeited. As Adam forfeited His right to the tree life by disobedience we can do the same. DO YOU STILL HAVE THIS RIGHT OR HAVE YOU FORFEITED IT?

9. Given by David Hamlin on July 4, 2010 pm Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.hollisterchurchofchrist.orgwww.hollisterchurchofchrist.org