Jesus was declared as God’s beloved Son, both at His baptism and transfiguration. By the work of the Beloved we too are beloved. Early Christians anticipated the Holy Spirit to come on them at their baptism as He did at Jesus’ baptism. Water baptism was understood as being administered “unto the baptism of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 19:1-7). The Spirit makes us beloved children by new birth and adoption. “Behold what manner of love the Father bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God” (I John 3:1). Hold your head high; you are beloved as He is. You are truly God’s child.
“And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:10–11 ESV).
