The Message of Sonship

"Sonship" is an important, yet often overlooked, theme throughout the Bible. Adam, the first human being, is identified as a "son of God"; Israel is God's "first-born son"; the covenant with king David is cast in father-son terms; Christians are children of God, "adopted as sons"; and the same designation brings Scripture to a triumphant conclusion: "He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Revelation 21:7). The story line of the Bible makes clear that God is making for himself a family of sons and daughters who will serve him and reign with him in his kingdom forever--and this purpose is achieved through Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God. In his warm-hearted, edifying exposition of this theme, Trevor Burke shows how "sonship" is the focus of creation, is a metaphor for salvation, carries moral obligation and is the goal of restoration of broken, suffering humanity. For those whom God the Father adopts into his household as sons and daughters, the family bonds that begin in this life will last for all eternity. As a companion to the Bible Speaks Today commentaries, the Bible Speaks Today Bible Themes Series focuses on the message of key biblical texts supporting differing facets of Christian doctrine in conversation with the history of Christian tradition. Rooted in Christian heritage and interactive with contemporary culture, the series provides a rich resource for preaching, teaching and spiritual growth.