Full Privileges Reinstated

Full Privileges Reinstated

In the story of the prodigal son, the father is waiting for the day of the son's return. Not so he can chastise him, rather that he might restore him. The son, on the other hand, feels he is not worthy to be called a son any longer but will give himself back to the father as a slave. His intention is to grovel at the Father's feet. On the contrary, the Father excitedly runs to meet the son. Clearly, He has spent much time watching the horizon for the son's return.

This is a beautiful story of our standing in the kingdom. We are no longer slaves to the patterns of this world nor to the law (working for God’s favour) but have had the full privileges of children restored to us. He does not call us from one form of slavery into another; instead, He calls us children of God. We are not to come to Him begging for His favour. We already have it! His purpose is to bring many SONS to glory!

All that the Father owns is ours already. We can enjoy the treasures of our Father's house here and now. The Father knows when we finally "come to our senses" and run to Him, it is an outward expression of a heart turned back to Him. He knows guilt and shame will never keep us from slipping. We MUST have the revelation that we are His children.

Notice the Father places a robe and a ring on the son and then kills the fatted calf. Before the son can return to "working", he must understand his position within the family has been completely restored; there is no probationary period, no trial run. A celebration takes place to welcome him home. He is once again a son, with full rights and privileges.  The robe is a symbol of royalty and the ring is a mark of authority. The ring, no doubt a signet ring...’signifying’ the son’s authority to make decisions, to give orders and benefit from the Father’s wealth. 

Often, as believers, we continue in the mindset of slaves. Jesus said it was for freedom that he has set us free.  We will NOT walk in the full benefits of the kingdom in this state of mind. We will fall into a works mentality and will be unable to resist temptation. We will not appropriate the authority we have over sin and the devil. We will continue to be subject to the patterns of this world, believing we cannot live fully in Christ’s freedom.

The answer, then, is to fully grasp our position with God. We must trust the finished work of the cross. Christ's sacrifice has not only cleaned our slate, it's removed it! We are now a new creation. It's time to take hold of the reality we are now children of God and the Father is pleased to give us the keys to the kingdom. He has given us access to every spiritual blessing as sons (male and female)  

Scripture Reading:

Galatians 2:18-20

Luke 15:22-30

1 John 3:1

Galatians 3

2 Peter 1:2-4