The concept of a “child of God” is a very important topic in the Bible. It is used in multiple ways to describe the relationship between God and the people He has created. The Bible makes clear that, while all people are God’s children, believers in Jesus Christ are particularly privileged with special status and grace that give them an even closer relationship to God.
In the Old Testament, the term “child of God” is most often used to refer to the children of Israel as a whole. God’s favor and protection is described as being upon the “children of God,” often including the entire nation in the application of God’s grace and mercies. For example, in Deuteronomy 14:1, God reminds the Israelites of their special status as His children: “You are the children of the LORD your God.”
The New Testament also uses the term “child of God” to refer to those who have placed their faith in Christ. While all people are described as being loved by God, those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior are particularly favored. John 1:12 states “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This verse captures the transformation that faith in Jesus brings. Those who believe are given the right to enter into a closer relationship with God, becoming His special children in a new and spiritual way.
In addition to the spiritual implications of becoming a “child of God,” the term is used in the Bible to describe the responsibility of believers to each other. Ephesians 6:1-2 states: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother…” In this instance, God’s children are encouraged to treat each other with respect and love. They are commanded to “honor” their parents, demonstrating respect, obedience, and care. This is a reflection of the responsibility that comes with being part of God’s family.
The concept of being a “child of God” is an incredibly powerful one that carries a deep spiritual significance. It speaks to both the physical and spiritual privileges that come with being part of God’s family, as well as the responsibility that faith entails. The Bible is clear that all people are God’s children, but those who have placed their faith in Jesus have a special status and an even closer connection to God.
What it Means to Abide in God
Abiding in God is a key concept in understanding the privileges and duties of being a child of God. According to the Bible, those who believe in Jesus Christ are not just adopted into God’s family, they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, with this union taking place at the new birth. This idea of the believer becoming personally united with God by the Spirit of God is expressed in many places throughout Scripture, including John 15:4-5:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
In this passage, Jesus is encouraging His followers to “abide in” Him so that they can bear much fruit. Abiding in Jesus is a way of expressing the spirit-filled life in which believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, allowing them to experience the intimate relationship and joy promised by the Lord. To “abide in Jesus” is to stay in subjection to Him, to be in surrender to His will, and to remain in Him—the True Vine—so that His divine life may be expressed and produced through each believer.
The Privilege and Responsibility of Being a Child of God
The Bible also speaks of the responsibility of being a child of God. As part of His family, believers are expected to live a life of obedience and holiness, bearing witness to the transforming power of God in their lives. In 1 Peter 1:14-16, the apostle Peter talks about the importance of obeying God’s commands:
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
The apostle encourages Christians to be “obedient children” who live a life in which “holiness” is expressed in all of their conduct. Peter reminds them that the purpose of their faith is to be a reflection of God Himself. He is calling them to live their lives as representatives of their Heavenly Father, exemplifying His love and holiness to the world.
The Blessings of Being a Child of God
The Bible is full of promises and blessings for those who are “children of God.” God has not only adopted them as His children, but He has also promised to provide for all of their needs, according to the riches of His grace. In Psalm 103, David expresses the delight of being in close relationship with the Lord, saying:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases” (Psalm 103:1-3)
The psalmist understood the true joy of being a child of God and expressed deep appreciation to the Lord, who had graciously forgiven his sins and healed him of his diseases. Although God’s people may go through difficult times, His love and kindness remain with them always.
The Model of Sonship
Finally, the Bible also speaks of the importance of being a son of God rather than a servant of God. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of a son who was in perfect submission and obedience to His Father. The model of sonship is about learning to follow Christ’s example of submission and obedience to the Father, and to live a life of joy, surrender, and trust. Jesus said, “Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me” (John 14:24).
God desires that His children live in close relationship with Him, following His will. This starts by learning to be obedient and loving, just as the perfect Son, Jesus Christ, obeyed and loved the Father. As children of God, believers are called to model their lives after Jesus, learning to submit and obey.
Purpose of Living a Life as a Child of God
The purpose of living a life as a child of God is to bring glory and praise to the Lord. Romans 11:36 states: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Believers are called to express their gratitude and love for the Lord through their actions and words, allowing the divine life of God to be manifested in their lives. When the children of God live in surrender and trust, they give glory and honor to their Heavenly Father.
Living a life as a child of God is not easy, and it requires being intentional and purposeful in one’s actions. But the rewards for obedience and faithfulness are great. Those who remain in the Lord will be blessed with the fullness of His presence, blessing, and joy.
The Power of Prayer
Finally, the Bible speaks of the power of prayer as a way to draw closer to God and to seek His will and guidance. Prayer is a powerful tool that allows believers to commune with their Heavenly Father and to experience His presence. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul encourages Christians to “pray without ceasing.” He was reminding believers of the power of prayer and its ability to transform their lives and draw them closer to God.
The power of prayer cannot be overstated. It is a way for believers to express both their gratitude and their requests to the Lord. It is a way for them to develop an even closer relationship with Him and to seek His will. Prayer is a powerful and valuable blessing for those who have been adopted as sons and daughters of the Most High.
The Privilege of Being a Witness
The privilege of being a child of God also extends to being a witness for the Lord. The Bible talks about the importance of sharing the gospel with others and of being a light in the darkness. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” This verse highlights the importance of living in a way that brings glory to God and that points people to Him.
As children of God, believers are called to live in a way that influences and encourages those around them—so that God may receive the honor and glory He deserves. Each believer is called to live in obedience to the Lord and to “bear witness” to the power of the gospel. The privilege and responsibility of being a child of God gives believers the opportunity to be a witness to the transforming power of the Lord.
The Joy and Strength of Fellowship
Finally, the Bible also speaks of the joy and strength that comes from being in close fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 states: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This verse talks about the importance of gathering with other believers and of encouraging one another while living in the world.
God desires His children to “gather together” with other believers and to be in fellowship with one another. By gathering with other believers, they are able to experience fellowship, comfort and strength in the Lord. This fellowship helps to build each other up and to give strength and courage to those struggling to live faithfully and joyfully as a child of God.
