In this world, there are two kinds of children—those born of the flesh and those born of God's promise. The Bible says God's children are, “…born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God…” (1 Peter 1:23). We were born of the Word of God—born of the Promise, just as Isaac was. Hallelujah!
You can see this pattern throughout the Scripture: Isaac and Ishmael, Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau—the same father, yet one is always of the Devil. The Bible says, “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now” (Galatians 4:28–29). Those born of the flesh always cause trouble for those born of the Spirit, and they are still found among the born-again today.
So, be careful and stay alert. Watch your life closely and check your response to the Gospel. Remember, there is no such thing as “once saved, forever saved”. The Bible says, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). If there was nothing to lose, why would it tell us to do that?
Look at what the Apostle said should be done to those born of the flesh, “…Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman” (Galatians 4:30). Born of the same father, yet one was expelled. The difference was not in birth but in nature.
The Bible says, “…We're not the children of the slave woman; we're the supernatural sons of the freewoman—sons of grace!” (Galatians 4:31 TPT). What a glorious truth!
Think about this: when a goat, sheep, or lion is young, their true nature is not always clear. But as they grow, their nature begins to show. The same happens in the Kingdom. Growth reveals who you truly are. As you grow spiritually, your character should show your identity in Christ. It is not your gift, knowledge, or ability that proves who you are, but the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Satan can teach and perform miracles, but he cannot produce love, patience, or kindness.
If after many years you are still unkind or walking in hatred, something is wrong. Love is the major indicator of spiritual growth. The Apostle John said, “...this is the message... that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11).
He gave Cain as an example: “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother... Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous” (1 John 3:12). Cain was born by Adam, yet the Bible calls him “of the wicked one”. Life is spiritual. Cain's actions revealed his true nature. So, check your life daily. Let your love clearly show who you are. Refuse to be like Cain who walked in hatred. Grow in love as a true child of promise.