Not Everyone Is a Child of God
I find myself making this point often because I often hear the erroneous statement that “we are all children of God”. This statement is never mentioned in the Bible and it is so incredibly false and potentially damaging to the spread of the gospel. Look at what Paul writes in verses 12-17: “12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Those who live according to the flesh are not led by the Spirit of God. And in verse 14 we are told that those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God. Those who are not led by the Spirit are not the sons of God. In Christ we receive the Spirit of adoption which allows us to rightly call God, “Father”. Since we are children of God we get to share in Christ’s inheritance. A child of God is given special privileges and access that someone who is not a child simply does not have. This is also typically true in human relationships. Parents give their own children access, love and privileges that they just simply do not give to those who are not their children. But when we are a child of God we have access to every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. We have access to heaven. We have access to an abundant life. We have everything we need; but most importantly we can call God, “Father’. No, not everyone is a child of God…are you? If not, you are missing out on the greatest relationship God has to offer. Receive Christ…receive the Spirit…call God, “Father”. There is no more important relationship available to you.