Though in my lifetime, I have heard people from all walks of life say that they are a child of God, and the majority may think so, but the biblical answer is a resounding NO. Not all of humanity can claim the title of children of God. Here, again we have another highly spoken, yet heavily misunderstood thought process. All humanity are indeed God’s created creatures, but that’s where it stops for most. So, let’s see what God’s inerrant word says on the matter.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Well then, are all people peace makers?
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
This verse indicates that there’s a moment in someone’s life that they may BECOME a child of God, and that moment is not at birth, because a baby cannot place their faith in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial (Satan)? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
In the contexts of this passage, God is commanding that Christians separate from the pagan and secular world, and commit to a covenant relationship with Him, under His Kingdom rule. It is then and only then that God will call those who do so sons and daughters.
Galatians 3:26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
Again, Christians alone are children of God.
Ephesians 1:5 He (God the Father) predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will.
If all people are already children of God, why would He need to adopt them?
So, if we are not children of God, then what are we to Him?
Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.
Four times in one verse, we see the word WE. The WE in the contexts of the passage are believers only, not humanity at large.
James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
The half brother of Jesus, being James, openly states that the secular world (i.e. non-believers) are enemies of God, not children.
And why are non-believers declared enemies of God? Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Therefore, humanity’s sin has separated them from a Holy God, with no hope of reconciliation, outside the perfect blood of Jesus Christ.
The Mormons believe that we are all children of Heavenly Father, with Jesus being our elder brother, and Lucifer being the second born, but as you can see, that in not what the bible says. On the contrary, God The Father says in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. It should be clear from this well known verse, that God the Father has but one child, His name is Jesus Christ the Savior, who willingly (not out of obligation) laid down His life, for the sins of His people.
The problem with the belief that all humanity are children of God, is that it heavily minimizes the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Let me explain. In most families, whether ancient or modern, it is expected and natural for the eldest brother to be the protector of his younger siblings. Even if it brings harm or even death upon himself. The parents, as well as his younger siblings expect him to carry out this expectation.
But, as for Jesus Christ, He is not obligated, expected, nor does He owe any form of sacrificing Himself for anyone period, let alone those outside of His royal family, because without adoption, we are simply not related to Him. And that’s the problem with humanity, we just expect God to do things for us, even though we don’t deserve any kindness from Him.
However, just as with all families, it is being blood related that binds the expectation of the eldest son sacrificing himself for the well being of those related to him. And so, it is with Jesus Christ, it is the blood of Jesus that binds believers to Him, as we are then adopted into His family through faith in that blood. It is this correct and biblical mindset that exalts and elevates the cross of Christ to the position of highest importance as Christ showed unmerited sacrificial love to enemies, not family. Therefore, may the heart of the believer, forever cry out, “Oh, what a Savior.”
By Daniel C. Rodgers