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For the past couple of weeks, we have endeavored to explore all the background information that played a role in setting the stage for the establishment of the Davidic Covenant. To summarize, we noted how the establishment of an earthly throne was the result of God’s eternal plan carried out through (and in spite of) the sinful intentions of men. Whereas the people of Israel failed in their choice of a wicked king named Saul, God succeeded by choosing for Himself a king, a Bethlehemite named David, whose life was characterized by faith and obedience. We ended last week’s blog with the account of David’s desire to build a house for the Lord, and how God subsequently responded to that desire when He spoke to the prophet Nathan.

When you think of King David, what comes to mind? Perhaps you’re reminded of the frequently quoted verse that describes David as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), or his humble origin in a little town called Bethlehem. Maybe you right away jump to the famous account of David slaying Goliath, or David’s experiences when he was on the run from King Saul. If you’re one who is musically inclined, you might be especially appreciative of the many psalms that David wrote.

What is a Christian? With this question, J.I. Packer opened his chapter on adoption in his masterpiece, Knowing God. In answer to that, he says, “The richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God as Father” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God; IVP 1993, 200).

In the last two posts, we have considered the meaning of dependence as creatures and as sinners. Those pertained to our condition pre-fall and pre-grace. In the next two weeks, we will explore a third and a fourth dimension of our dependence toward God: as saints and sons. These are relations of dependence that pertain us to Christians in the state of grace.

We are all “creatures of our God and King,” as the hymn by Francis of Assisi reminds us. However, since the Fall in Genesis 3, we are not just creatures who live in a state of perfection and innocence, but sinners who live in a state of misery and perdition. As such, the relationship that we have with God as Creator is not just one of dependance as creatures, but one of dependance as rebels. There are several ways in which we, as sinners, are dependent on God.