The concept of "The Declaration of Belonging" is not explicitly named in the Bible, but it is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and theology, reflecting the relationship between God and His people. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the covenantal relationship, identity, and community of believers as belonging to God.

Covenantal Belonging

The idea of belonging is first introduced in the covenantal relationship between God and Abraham. In Genesis 17:7 , God declares, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." This covenant signifies a divine promise and a declaration of belonging, where God claims Abraham and his descendants as His own people.

The Mosaic Covenant further solidifies this belonging. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God tells the Israelites, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Here, the Israelites are called to a unique identity and purpose, belonging to God as His treasured possession.

Identity in Christ

In the New Testament, the declaration of belonging is fulfilled and expanded through Jesus Christ. Believers are identified as children of God, a status that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. John 1:12 states, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." This new identity is a profound declaration of belonging, where faith in Christ brings individuals into the family of God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Galatians 3:26-29 : "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." This passage highlights the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, affirming their belonging to the family of God.

Community and the Church

The declaration of belonging is also expressed in the communal life of the Church. The early Christian community exemplified this belonging through their shared life and fellowship. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the believers "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This communal life was a tangible expression of their belonging to one another and to God.

The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 2:9-10 , where he writes, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." This passage underscores the collective identity and mission of believers as those who belong to God.

Eternal Belonging

The ultimate declaration of belonging is found in the promise of eternal life with God. Revelation 21:3 offers a vision of this eternal belonging: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This eschatological hope assures believers of their eternal place in the presence of God, where the fullness of belonging will be realized.

In summary, while the term "The Declaration of Belonging" is not explicitly found in Scripture, the concept is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting the covenantal relationship, identity in Christ, communal life of the Church, and the promise of eternal life with God.