Are we all children of God, or are only Christians God's children?

featured article image

TL;DR:

While all of humanity was created in God’s image, only Christians, those who trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins, are God’s children. Being God’s children changes our identity, purpose, and daily living.

from the old testament

  • All of humanity was made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26); however, by nature, because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we are born in sin and are therefore children of wrath, disobedience, and the devil (Psalm 51:5).

from the new testament

  • We are all created by God (1 Corinthians 8:6; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16), but we are not all God's children (Ephesians 2:2–3).
  • John 1:12–13 states that only those who are born again are God’s children: "But to all who did receive him [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
  • First John 3:10 draws a clear distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil, based on their relationship with God and their actions.
  • Romans 8:14 tells us that “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Only those who have placed their trust in Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins receive the Holy Spirit.
  • It is not natural descent but regeneration that makes one a child of God (John 3:5–8).
  • Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we are by nature and by choice sinners and, therefore, children of wrath, disobedience, and the devil (Ephesians 2:3).
  • However, because of God’s great love for us, He sent His only begotten Son to pay the ransom our sins required (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:5–6). Those who believe in Jesus Christ and trust in Him alone for forgiveness and salvation receive the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:5–7; Ephesians 1:5). Those who have the Spirit are the children of God. Those who have been regenerated by the Spirit and have become children of God will show evidence of their adoption by way of a transformed mind and life (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18).

implications for today

If everyone were a child of God from birth, then neither the sacrifice of Christ nor adoption by God would be necessary. The truth is that only those who have been born again, born of the Spirit by believing in Jesus Christ, are the children of God. Only those who can call Jesus Lord and Savior can call God "Abba Father" (Galatians 4:6–7). Therefore, although we are all creations of God, only those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ (i.e., Christians) are God's children.

As God's children, we are adopted into His family. We are deeply loved, valued, and secure in His care. This identity gives us the assurance that we are not defined by our past mistakes, societal labels, or the opinions of others, but by the unconditional love of our heavenly Father. It also calls us to live in a way that reflects our Father's character—pursuing righteousness, showing love and compassion, and seeking to live according to His will. As children of God, we have access to His wisdom, guidance, and strength. We can face challenges with confidence, knowing that our Father is with us. Furthermore, being part of God's family means we are co-heirs with Christ, which fills our lives with eternal hope and a purpose that goes beyond this world. Our identity as children of God invites us to live in the freedom of God's grace, to trust in His provision, and to walk in the calling He has placed on our lives.

understand

  • All humans are created by God, but not all are His children, due to sin.
  • Only those born again through faith in Jesus are children of God.
  • Being a child of God means a transformed identity, purpose, and daily living, characterized by God's love, security, and righteousness.

reflect

  • What does the reality of being a child of God reflect about God’s character and His relationship with humanity?
  • What are some specific ways you can live out your identity as a child of God in your daily interactions and decisions?
  • How does recognizing yourself as a child of God influence your understanding of yourself and how you handle feelings of inadequacy or insecurity?

engage

  • How can we reconcile the idea that all humans are created by God with the biblical teaching that only those who believe in Jesus are His children?
  • What implications does the distinction between being a creation of God and being a child of God have for how we engage with others who are not yet saved?
  • How does the concept of being adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus shape our understanding of God's love and our role in His kingdom?