Are You a Child of God? – Selective Scriptures

Anyone who is in the Lord is called children of God. But how anyone becomes a child of God can be understood when a sinner has personally realized their sinful nature and identity as a child of the devil. God alone is able and change the nature of the sinner by transforming their heart and adopting them into his family when the sinner repents and believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord (Jn. ‭1‬:‭12). 

When God receives us as his own, it is God’s volition and willingness to hold onto something good. It also emphasizes assurance. Ultimately, it is in reference to those who have denied themselves and follow Jesus Christ are the ones who have received him. To them, God gives them the right to become his sons and daughters. Therefore, a child of God is special because he is the one that has planned and chosen them to become children of God (Jn. 1:13). If left to people’s own volition, they won’t desire to become God’s children and remain in sin leading to destruction. 

God the Father’s love and heart restore and bring the repentant sinner into his family without hesitation as illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32). ”For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”” (Rom. 8:15). There are two witnesses that prove we are the children of God: the inner man and the Holy Spirit. 

The inner man bears witness that we are children of God in these ways:

• In our hearts, there is a real affection and love for God the Father as we are adopted into his family following our conversion. Only Christians are able to have a relationship with the living God.
• We also have deep trust in the Lord no matter the circumstances. Regardless of external factors, the Christian trusts in the Father and finds peace in him.
• The inner man has a longing and desire to know God more because there is nothing else that can satisfy him.
• There is also assurance of salvation and our faith even in the midst of doubt and spiritual warfare. 

The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are children of God in these ways:

• Through Scripture, the Spirit who is the author of it, confirms the adoption that takes place at our conversions. The Holy Spirit instructs the Christian through the Word of God to always enlighten and lead to a deeper understanding of God throughout their walk. 
• The Holy Spirit initiates a love and desire to pray for those who are around us, including our enemies. 
• It is a miracle to become children of God. By the grace of God, the sinner is saved and adopted into his family.
• God does not refer to the angels as children of God but only humans who turn to Christ for their forgiveness and salvation. 
• The blood of Jesus Christ flows through every believer. 

As children of God changed by the Holy Spirit from the inside out, they must be men of conviction that Jesus is returning and that we will become like him in glory. They must be a man of hope based on the Word of God. Only this way can they shine the light of God as they continue to hope even through adversity. True hope in Christ always brings believers back to him. Moreover, they must be a man of sanctification by devoting themselves to obeying Scripture in all circumstances.