IV. We are now to consider the privileges conferred on, or reserved for them who are the sons of God by adoption. These are summed up in a very comprehensive expression, which contains an amazing display of divine grace; as it is said, _He that overcometh, shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son_, Rev. xxi. 7. It is a very large grant that God is pleased to make to them; they shall inherit all things. God is not ashamed to be called their God; and in having him, they are said to possess all things, which are eminently and transcendently in him; they have a right to all the blessings which he had designed for, and which have a tendency to make them completely happy: in this sense we are to understand our Saviour’s words in the parable; _Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine_, Luke xv. 31. Nothing greater than this can be desired or enjoyed by creatures, whom the Lord delights to honour. But, that we may be a little more particular in considering the privileges which God confers on, or has reserved for his children, it may be farther observed, 1. That they are all emancipated, or freed from the slavery which they were before under, either to sin or Satan; they who were once the _servants of sin, are_ hereby _made free from sin, and become the servants of righteousness_, or become _servants to God_, Rom. vi. 17, 18, 22. _have their fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life; the Son makes them free_; and therefore _they are free indeed_, John viii. 36. Before this they are described as _serving divers lusts and pleasures_, Tit. iii. 3. and are said to be _of their father the devil_, and to _do his works_, or follow his suggestions, John viii. 44. ensnared, and _taken captive by him at his will_, 2 Tim. ii. 26. and, as the consequence hereof, are in perpetual bondage, arising from a dread of the wrath of God, and that _fear of death_ impressed on their spirits, by him, who is said to have the _power of death_, Heb. ii. 14. this they are delivered from, which cannot but be reckoned a glorious privilege.