April 7 – One Household in Heaven and Earth

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.— Ephesians 3:14–15, KJV

Through faith in Christ, we become members of the royal household, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. In Him, we are made one. As we behold the cross of Calvary and gaze upon the divine Sufferer who, in the likeness of sinful flesh, bore the curse of the law for our sake, all national barriers and religious divisions fade away. Earthly rank and pride lose their significance. The light shining from the throne of God upon the cross dissolves every human-made distinction between class and race. All who kneel at the foot of the cross are united—one family, children of the heavenly King—not by earthly authority, but by the love of God, who gave His Son to live a life of poverty, sorrow, and humiliation, and to die a shameful death, that He might bring many sons and daughters unto glory.

It is not position, earthly wisdom, or personal accomplishments that make anyone precious in the sight of God. Human intellect, reason, and talents are all divine gifts, entrusted to us to be used for His glory and the advancement of His eternal kingdom. What holds true value in the eyes of Heaven is the spiritual and moral character—this is the treasure that endures beyond the grave and will be made glorious throughout eternal ages.

Those found worthy to be part of God's family in the courts of heaven will recognize one another as children of the same Father. They will understand that each has received strength and forgiveness from the same source—Jesus Christ, who was crucified for their sins. They know their characters must be cleansed in His blood in order to be accepted before the Father in His name. Only then will they be found among the redeemed, clothed in white garments—the robes of His righteousness.

The family bears the name of the Father. Those who enter the heavenly mansions will have the name of God and the name of His city written in their foreheads. They will bear the divine seal, having become partakers of the divine nature.