The question of whether the Bible says everyone is a child of God is both profound and central to Christian theology. To adequately address this, we must delve into the biblical texts, examine the context in which phrases like "children of God" are used, and consider the theological implications of these passages.
In a general sense, the Bible does suggest that all human beings are God's creation. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This verse underscores the intrinsic value and dignity of every human being as created by God. However, being created by God and being a child of God are distinct concepts in biblical theology.
The New Testament provides more clarity on what it means to be a "child of God." The Apostle John, in his Gospel, makes a significant distinction. John 1:12-13 says, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." Here, John indicates that becoming a child of God is contingent upon receiving Christ and believing in His name. This suggests that not everyone is automatically a child of God in the relational sense that John describes.
The Apostle Paul also elaborates on this theme in his letters. In Romans 8:14-17, Paul writes, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Paul introduces the concept of adoption, indicating that becoming a child of God involves a spiritual transformation and a new relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, in Galatians 3:26-29, Paul states, "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." This passage reinforces the idea that faith in Christ is the key to becoming a child of God, transcending ethnic, social, and gender distinctions.
In contrast, the Bible also speaks about those who are not children of God. In John 8:42-44, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, saying, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires." This stark language indicates that not everyone is considered a child of God in the sense of having a loving, obedient relationship with Him. Instead, Jesus contrasts the Pharisees' spiritual parentage with that of the devil, emphasizing their rejection of Him and His teachings.
The distinction between being God's creation and being His child is further illuminated by the concept of spiritual rebirth. In John 3:3-7, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again...no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." This passage introduces the necessity of being "born again" or "born from above" to enter into a relationship with God as His child. This spiritual rebirth is facilitated by the Holy Spirit and signifies a profound transformation in one's life and identity.
Christian literature also offers insights into this theological concept. C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses the difference between being made by God and being begotten by God. He writes, "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God. We do not know...how things would have worked if the human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy; perhaps every human being would have been 'in Christ,' would have shared the life of the Son of God, from the moment he was born. But that is not what happened. We are not begotten by God, we are only made by Him: in our natural state we are not sons of God, only (so to speak) statues. We have not got 'Zoe' or spiritual life: only 'Bios' or biological life which is presently going to run down and die." Lewis underscores that becoming a child of God involves receiving divine life through Christ, a transformation beyond mere creation.
Another important aspect is the role of the Church as the family of God. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes believers as members of God's household: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." This imagery portrays the Church as a spiritual family, where believers are united as children of God through their faith in Christ.
In summary, while the Bible acknowledges that all human beings are created by God and bear His image, it makes a clear distinction between being God's creation and being His child. The latter is a privileged status granted to those who receive Christ, believe in His name, and are spiritually reborn through the Holy Spirit. This adoption into God's family brings with it a new identity, a transformed relationship with God, and the promise of eternal inheritance. Thus, according to the biblical narrative, not everyone is a child of God in the relational and spiritual sense, but everyone has the potential to become one through faith in Jesus Christ.
