Humanity was created in God's image (Genesis 1:26), but due to the fall, we are born as children of wrath and disobedience (Psalm 51:5). While all people are created by God (1 Corinthians 8:6), not everyone is a child of God; only those who are born again through faith in Jesus are His children (John 1:12–13; Romans 8:14). This spiritual rebirth, not natural descent, marks someone as a child of God (John 3:5–8). Being a child of God means being deeply loved and secure in His care, living a transformed life that reflects His character, and having access to all the riches of His grace. This identity offers us eternal hope and a calling that transcends this world. We are defined by God's grace, and this changes our identity, purpose, and daily living. God calls all to respond to His offer of salvation and to become His children.
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.