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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
“Relationship” is a common term today, yet I began wondering what people mean when they use it in reference to Jesus or God.
People will say, “We need to have a relationship with Jesus.” How would you explain that word or phrase?
I researched different definitions, the first of which plainly asserts “the state of being related or interrelated,” while another states “relative, kinship.” The first Biblical definition of relationship says, “begetter, originator, progenitor, that one has an intimate connection with. Also, kinship, relatedness…” This is the same way in which two or more people are related today, by birth or by adoption. The fact of being related by birth, adoption or marriage — part of a family.
As I reflect about a relationship with Christ, I think of John chapter 3, where Jesus introduced the phrase “you must be born-again,” and by that, birth establishes relationship. Other New Testament passages explain salvation by the similarity of being adopted into the family of God. Both imply that salvation and spiritual new birth establish a relationship.
Think of your family name. Think of all the ones in your family. Most of us can name our siblings and may even know their birth dates. Consider this foundational truth: no one is a member of your family unless he or she was born or adopted into your specific family.
It really is that simple. Once you are “family,” you are family forever.
The same is true of our spiritual brothers and sisters. This is the very relationship Jesus spoke about when he had a conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:1-16. When we are born into God’s family, our relationship with Him begins. If you are born again as I was, then we are siblings. We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ, as written in Romans 8:17.
What does that mean today? Well, as a child of God, you and I are siblings. You’re stuck with me, and I’m stuck with you — forever. Isn’t it about time we begin thinking of one another as family members?
Does Jesus care for His siblings? Yes. I expect He wants us to do the same.
In the coming weeks I’ll share more about being born again and living a Christian life.
Until next week… Anita
Onarecker, a writer, author and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
