3. They have an authoritative translation from one
of these families to another. It is not done in a private,
underhand way, but in the way of authority. John i.
12, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become
the sons of God,” — power or authority. This investing them with the
power, excellency, and right of the sons of God, is a forensical
act, and hath a legal proceeding in it. It is called the “making us
meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,” Col. i. 12; — a judicial exalting us
into membership in that family, where God is the Father, Christ the Rom. viii. 29; Heb. ii.
12. elder brother, all saints and angels brethren and
fellow-children, and the inheritance a crown immortal and incorruptible,
that fades not away.