The Children of God and of Satan
J. L. Hurlbut, D. D. John 8:38-47 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and you do that which you have seen with your father.… I. THE CHILDREN OF GOD (vers. 31-36). What do these verses teach us concerning the children of God? God has His children in this world, and some of their traits are here presented to our notice. 1. They believe in Christ (ver. 3). To believe in Christ is more than simply to conclude in a general way that He is worthy of credence. It means belief, confidence, submission, obedience, all in one. This believing is the condition of all blessings under the gospel. 2. They abide in Christ's word (ver. 31). They manifest their faith by their fidelity. There is no "six weeks' religion" during a warm revival, dropping into coldness and deadness when the meetings cease. It is a continued service proceeding from a constant faith. 3. They know the truth (ver. 32). The word in the original for "know" is the verb meaning "to have full knowledge." He who learns the truth by fellowship with Christ receives it at fountainhead, and understands it thoroughly. 4. They have freedom (vers. 32-36). Every sinner is a slave, for a power outside of himself directs his action. The drunkard says, "I can't help myself; an appetite drives me to drink." The passionate man says, "I am not my own master when I get angry." Are they not slaves to a power above their own will? The free man is the disciple of Christ. II. THE CHILDREN OF SATAN. Then there is a devil who would make men believe that he is not, and that consequently they need not fear him. The Scriptures are as clear concerning the existence of Satan as they are concerning the existence of God. The traits of Satan's children, as here set forth, are — 1. They are slaves (vers. 33-36). 2. They are enemies of Christ (ver. 37). These slaves of Satan were ready to kill Christ. 3. They show a likeness to their father (vers. 39-44). These Jews claimed to be the children of Abraham. "Not so," said Jesus. "If you were the children of Abraham, you would be like Abraham. But you show the traits of your true father, the devil." 4. They have no affinity with God. (vers. 45-47). They do not like God's truth (ver. 45); they will not hear God's words (ver. 47). Just as oil and water will not mix, so the children of Satan have an aloofness of nature with respect to God. (J. L. Hurlbut, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. WEB: I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father."