Children of God (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Children of God (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Children of God is Section V of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

Sadler expounds the catechism's language of becoming a child of God. He distinguishes natural creation from the filial privilege given in Christ and connects sonship with holiness and perseverance.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "No: because I am made a member of Christ, I am the child of God." He further explains the section by saying, "Because, being a member of Christ, God looks upon me as in His Son, and so His child, because in the body of His Holy Child Jesus."

Theological Themes

• Adoption and sonship
• Grace and holiness
• Abiding in Christ
• Baptismal privilege

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Malachi 2:10
• Acts 17:28
• Matthew 5:9, 44
• Luke 20:35-36
• Revelation 21:7
• 1 John 3:9

Anglican Context

This section is connected chiefly with the Book of Common Prayer baptismal office and the opening clauses of the Church Catechism, especially the language of Christian name, sponsors, renunciation, faith, and obedience. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Baptism
• Church Catechism
• Book of Common Prayer
• Godparents