The Family of GOD

God has ordained the family. God has only ordained three institutions: the family, human government, and the local church.

All three of these institutions are under attack by the devil. God's order for the family is found in the Bible (Col. 3:18-21).
Ephesians 2:19; 3:14-15; Ephesians 3:15; Mark 3:34-35.

1. EARTHLY TIES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD.
   To get into the family of God you must be born again (John 1:12, 13; 3:7; I Peter 1:23).

Sometimes God will save an entire family but oftentimes He will not (Acts 2:39; 16:30-34; 10:44; 11:14).

2. OUR LORD HAD BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
   The RCC teaches that Mary remained a virgin her whole life but this is contrary to the Bible (Matt. 1:18, 25).
   Matt. 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-3; Luke 8:19-21; I Cor. 9:5; Gal. 1:19.

3. OUR LORD WAS REJECTED BY THE MEMBERS OF HIS OWN FAMILY (JOHN 7:1-5).
   Our Lord's brothers wanted to bring Him home because they completely misunderstood His ministry (Mark 3:31, 32; 3:21).

We know that James and Jude were converted later on, after the resurrection of our Lord (cf. I Cor. 15:7; Acts 15:13; Jude 1).

Those who are truly related to Jesus are characterized by obedience to the will of God.