Gal. 3: 26 (Proof Text #12)
"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." (nkjv)
Some translations give "children of God" rather than "sons of God." In my writings, particularly on biblical "adoption" or "son placement," I have shown how the term "son" was used generally to denote not a birth son, but a birth son who has, through growth into adulthood, become "son" in the highest sense, being at that time more in the image and likeness of the father than when in childhood. So, if it is referring to becoming a full grown son, then it does not relate foremost to becoming a child or birth son. However, I do believe that both aspects of becoming sons are under consideration. So Ellicott says in his commentary:
"The translation “children” here is unfortunate, as the point to be brought out is that the Christian is no longer in the condition of “children,” but in that of grown-up “sons.” The pre-Messianic period bears to the Messianic period the same relation that a childhood or minority bears to full age. The Christian, as such, has the privileges of an adult son in his Father’s house. He is released from pupilage, and has received his freedom."
In my writings on this in my series on "adoption" (Greek 'huiothesia') I have discussed what Paul says in the Galatian epistle about how "adoption" or (son placement) takes place at the time of "the redemption of the body" (Rom. 8: 23) and is the time when the fully grown and perfected sons (and daughters) are placed into their allotted inheritances. Faith is necessary to become full grown sons, perfected, fully conformed to the image of Christ the Son. But, it is also necessary for being born a son or daughter.
Commented Matthew Henry in his commentary:
"Having accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and relying on him alone for justification and salvation, they become the sons of God."
Many who are KJV onlyists believe that the KJV translators were inspired in their translation. But, if that is so, then we should accept their translation of Galatians 3: 26 which has "children" instead of "sons." This translation is more detrimental however to the born again before faith view. To become children of God involves being "born of God" (or 'begotten'). At least with the use of "sons" the born again before faith view may argue that becoming sons by birth is without faith, but becoming full grown sons is by faith. I do not agree with this, believing rather that becoming "sons" includes both ideas.
Actually, it is easy to see how Galatians 3: 26 is stating much the same thing as John 1: 12-13, verses we have already noticed.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
Here "children" is used and is the proper translation (Greek being tekna rather than huio). The Greek word "teknon" (child) denotes one who is such by a birth and denotes a physical relation, or natural union, with the parents.
Thus both the apostle John and the apostle Paul both affirm that it is "by faith" that we become the children or sons of God. This overthrows the born again before faith view.
Thus far I have presented twelve affirmative arguments for the view that faith precedes spiritual life. In the next postings in this series I will begin to look at those texts of scripture that are offered in support of the regenerated before faith view.
I invite all who hold to the born again before faith view to come and take the negative in respects to the twelve affirmative arguments I have presented. I would invite James White, John Piper, John MacArthur, or any Hardshell, to come and disprove our proofs.
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