Romans 8:29
“For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of
His Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
The address “Our Father” in the prayer taught by the Lord Jesus also implies that we become brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ. We cannot deny the truth declared in Romans 8:29. Moreover, the inevitable consequence of calling “Our Father” is that every believer is called to attain perfection like our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. We should realize that the call “Our Father” demands a heavy consequence, because a believer is not worthy to be Christ’s sibling without entering a process of perfection.
Do not be confused or reject the term “brother of Christ.” We acknowledge that the Lord Jesus is the Father’s only begotten Son (John 1:14). The word “only Son” in that verse comes from the Greek μονογενής (monogenēs), meaning “one and only” or “unique.” Jesus is God’s beloved Son, uniquely given for human salvation. Hebrews 2:17 explains that Jesus was made like us in every respect, taking on our flesh. This shows absolute obedience to the Father in all things. Therefore, Jesus becomes the perfect example for every believer who desires to live in a way pleasing to God.
Paul also affirms in 2 Corinthians 6:17–18, “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Here, Paul explains that any believer who chooses to leave an unhealthy environment or community and remains committed to a holy life will have God as their Father. Thus, they can become His children, sons, and daughters. This is God’s promise to those who strive for holiness.
Believers cannot become brothers of the Most-High Lord Jesus Christ without entering the process of perfection. Leave the unclean things; possess the character of Christ. Jesus Himself said that those who do the will of the Father in heaven are His brothers and sisters (Matthew 12:50). Jesus’ Words indicate that everyone has the opportunity to become a sibling of His. Being a brother or sister here is not about blood relation but about sharing the same purpose and goal as Jesus—doing the Father’s will in heaven. Doing the Father’s will means being a doer of the Word in daily life.
The Father desires that every believer not only understand much about the Word but also be a practitioner of the Word in daily life. For such a life is one the Father can delight in. A life that delights the Father will one day meet Him in eternity. Moreover, that person will meet Jesus, the Firstborn, face to face in the Kingdom of Heaven.