Not Everyone Is a Child of God: What the Bible Really Says
You’ve probably heard someone say, “We’re all God’s children.”
It sounds nice. It feels loving. But here’s the truth—it’s not what the Bible teaches.
Yes, every human is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Yes, God loves the world (John 3:16). But according to Scripture, not everyone is a child of God.
That title—“child of God”—has a specific meaning. And it’s only given to those who are born again through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be a Child of God?
Being a child of God isn’t about being born human. It’s about being born again.
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
“For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God, through faith.” – Galatians 3:26
We become children of God not by creation, but by conversion. It’s not automatic—it’s a new birth.
Before Salvation: Whose Children Were We Then?
This is a hard truth, but a necessary one.
Before we came to Christ, the Bible says we weren’t neutral—we belonged to another family altogether.
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.” – John 8:44
Jesus wasn’t speaking to Satanists. He was speaking to religious people who rejected Him. Without Christ, we may be “spiritual,” “kind,” or even “moral,” but we are still living in rebellion against God—and under the influence of sin.
We are called:
- Children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3)
- Enemies of God (Romans 5:10)
- Slaves to sin (Romans 6:20)
That’s why salvation is not just self-improvement. It’s a complete spiritual adoption. We move from one family to another—from darkness to light, from the devil’s grip into the arms of the Father.
What About People Who Seem “Good”?
This is where many are deceived.
There are kind, generous, and sincere people in the world. But the Bible is clear—God doesn’t measure goodness the way we do.
“All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment [filthy rags].” – Isaiah 64:6
“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” – James 2:10
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48
God’s standard is perfection. One lie, one lustful thought, one selfish act is enough to make us lawbreakers.
That’s why being a “good person” doesn’t make someone a child of God. Jesus does. He lived the perfect life we never could and offers us His righteousness through faith (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Created by God vs. Adopted by God
Here’s the difference:
- All people are created by God and deeply loved.
- But only those who believe in Jesus are adopted by God and called His children.
“You received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” – Romans 8:15
Adoption is deeply personal. God doesn’t just forgive your sins—He brings you into His family, gives you His name, and fills you with His Spirit.
Common Misunderstanding: “I Believe in God, So I Must Be His Child”
Believing that God exists doesn’t make someone His child. Even demons believe in God—and tremble (James 2:19).
What makes someone a child of God is receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, turning from sin, and trusting in His finished work on the cross.
A Story That Brings It Home
I once knew a man named Jason. He went to church as a kid, stopped as a teen, and lived a decent life. He was kind, worked hard, and helped others. But he didn’t know Jesus.
One day, someone told him, “You know, God loves you, but you’re not His child until you put your faith in Christ.”
That hit Jason hard. He always thought being a good guy made him right with God.
Later that night, he knelt by his bed and said, “Jesus, I want to be Yours. I want to be part of Your family.”
Jason didn’t just become a better person. He became a new person—born again, adopted, and made a child of God.
How to Become a Child of God Today
This offer is open to you—right now.
- Admit your sin and that your “good works” aren’t enough (Romans 3:23).
- Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again (Romans 10:9).
- Receive Him by faith and begin a new life as His child (John 1:12).
This isn’t about earning. It’s about trusting. It’s about turning from sin and letting Christ make you new.
Why This Truth Matters
Telling everyone they’re “children of God” may sound kind, but it hides the truth—and hides the gospel.
Jesus didn’t come to affirm people as they were. He came to rescue us and bring us into a new family.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1
This truth is bold. But it’s also beautiful. God doesn’t just want to save you from judgment—He wants to make you His child.
Reflection: Are You a Child of God?
Take a moment to pause. Find a quiet space. Let these questions lead you into prayer and personal reflection.
🟡 1. What do you believe makes someone a child of God?
Have you ever assumed that everyone is automatically in God’s family? What does Scripture say about that?
🟡 2. Do you know for sure that you are a child of God?
Have you trusted in Jesus—not just believed in God, but surrendered your life to Him?
🟡 3. Are you resting in your identity as His child?
If you’re already in Christ, are you living like someone who is fully loved, accepted, and adopted?
🟡 4. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear this truth?
Pray for that person. Ask God for courage to share the gospel in love and clarity.
Devotional Prayer
Father, thank You that You don’t just tolerate me—you invite me to be Your child. Thank You for adopting me through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to earn Your love or assumed I was fine without truly knowing You. Help me walk in my true identity as Your child. And give me boldness to lovingly share this truth with others who still believe the lie. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s Talk!
Have you ever believed the idea that everyone is automatically God’s child? What helped you see the truth?
👉 Share your thoughts or story in the comments. And if you’re unsure where you stand with God—reach out. Let today be the day you join the family.
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