Who Is A Child Of God?
Who is a child of God? Are you? Am I? Although every human being is a unique creation, dearly loved by God, that doesn’t make us His child. Here are three Bible teachings on what it means to be a child of God and how to be in the family.
Who is a child of God? Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV, John 1:14)
Jesus Christ is God’s only true child. Who scripture calls the Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. And who was both fully God and man.
Jesus lived a perfect life, free from sin. Furthermore, he taught and demonstrated God’s love and compassion for all humanity. And how we should live in a manner that pleases the God. He died a sacrificial death on a Roman cross and rose from the grave three days later. And conquered the power of sin and death. Therefore, all who call on his name and follow him experience a spiritual transformation. And become a new creation.
Who is a child of God? You become a child of God by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord
But to all who did receive him, 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. (ESV, John 1:12-13)
Every person is uniquely created and loved by God. But a child of God is more than that. Something different and unique. And it involves another step. An individual, decision and act of personal faith. And a spiritual transaction of believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
After this, God grants us a right to become a child of God.
But it is an unearned right on our part. Additionally granted and initiated by the will of God. And not because we deserve it. But because God desires it. However, it comes with extraordinary benefits. Because our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy.
Who is a child of God? When you receive Jesus you are adopted into the family of God
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ… (ESV, Romans 8:16-17)
But you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father! (ESV, Romans 8:15)
As his children, God now invites us to call Him by a more familiar name. The Greek word Abba is the same word Jesus used when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before his crucifixion. And it’s a designation of intimate respect. Because “God” is no longer the name that best describes our new relationship. Although correct, it seems stale and impersonal. Because He has moved us from strangers and made us family.
It’s an adoption where we’re granted full rights as children and heirs to eternal life. Our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy. And we may call God, Heavenly Father with full privileges as family members. Rather than fear, it’s a relationship characterized by trust and a secure sense of destiny, purpose, and belonging.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.
