Do we have to work or strive to attain our position as a full son of God?
No. At the moment of salvation, God not only causes believers to be born into His family but also places them as full heirs with Jesus Christ. This position is not earned by twenty years of labor, striving, or straining; it is received the moment one believes.
Les explains that in the biblical adoption picture, a son who had reached the age and completed his training years was placed as a full son and full partner with the Father. He emphasizes that at salvation believers are born into the family of God by the Holy Spirit, but God also immediately places them as full heirs with Jesus Christ. Unlike Jacob, who worked twenty years for his wives, believers do not have to strive and strain hoping to attain this position; it is theirs the moment they believe. Because they are placed as sons, they can say Abba Father. As joint heirs, they share equality with Christ—what is His is theirs, and vice versa.