“Children of God” has great significance in Christian theology. It signifies individuals who have experienced a spiritual rebirth and are fully committed to following Christ.
These “true children” stand out for their fidelity, submission, and dedication to following the tortuous path that leads to life. This article will examine the traits of the genuine children of God, as emphasized in particular Scriptures, and contrast them with those who merely wear the Christian label without sincere faith and obedience.
Hearing and Following the Shepherd’s Voice (John 10:27–28)
John 10:27–28 states, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This passage underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His followers, the true children of God.
These individuals recognize and respond to His voice, demonstrating a personal and ongoing connection with Him.
The devoted followers of God show their attentiveness to Christ’s teachings and willingness to follow His guidance. This relationship is not merely of intellectual assent but involves an active engagement with the living Christ.
Their actions evidence their faith as they seek to align their lives with His will, trusting in His promise of eternal security.
Walking the Narrow Path (Matthew 7:13–14, 21-23)
Matthew 7:13–14 exhorts believers to “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate, and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” This metaphor of the narrow path illustrates the disciplined and challenging journey of following Christ, contrasting sharply with the ease and popularity of the broad path leading to destruction.
Further, in Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!
The passage highlights the need for more than just verbal faith.
The narrow path represents a life of holiness, sacrifice, and commitment. True children of God persevere in their devotion to Christ, always seeking to do His will despite the difficulties and opposition they face.
Worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24)
John 4:24 declares, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and truth.” Sincerity and authenticity are attributes of true worship, as described here, and they are not limited to particular rituals or places.
The Holy Spirit inspires and grounds the sincere prayers of God’s children in the truth of His Word.
Genuine worship goes beyond outward expressions and rituals. It involves heartfelt devotion and a deep connection with God.
The sincere desire to honor and glorify God in all facets of their lives and their efforts to worship Him in a way that reflects His attributes define true children of God.
The Role of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26–27)
Romans 8:26-27 highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers: “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people by the will of God.”
The Holy Spirit’s presence in the lives of the true children of God is a defining characteristic. The Spirit assists them in their weaknesses, intercedes on their behalf, and guides them according to God’s will. This divine assistance underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live lives that reflect their status as children of God.
True children of God rely on the Holy Spirit for strength, guidance, and meditation. They acknowledge their dependence on the Spirit’s work in their lives and recognize that, through His power, they can obey God’s will.
Contrasting the True Children of God with Nominal Christians
Those who have heard the gospel but do not genuinely follow Christ are in stark contrast to the true children of God. These individuals may wear the Christian label, attend church, and even participate in religious activities, but their lives do not reflect a genuine commitment to Christ.
Nominal Christians may acknowledge Jesus with their lips, but their hearts and actions betray a lack of genuine faith. They must unwaveringly seek to hear and follow His voice and walk the narrow path of obedience and sacrifice. Their worship lacks the depth and sincerity that comes from the Spirit, and they need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and intercession in their lives.
While they may claim the title of Christian, their lives do not bear the fruit of true discipleship. They may be more concerned with the appearance of religiosity than with a transformative relationship with Christ. As Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21–23, mere outward professions of faith are insufficient; what matters is doing the will of the Father.
Conclusion
The devoted children of God have undergone regeneration by the Holy Spirit and steadfastly follow Christ. They hear His voice, obey Him, and walk the narrow path that leads to life. The hallmarks of their lives include:
- sincere worship,
- the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and
- a close, everlasting relationship with Jesus.
In contrast, those who wear the Christian label without genuine faith and obedience may appear religious but lack the true essence of discipleship. The call to be a child of God is a call to a life of commitment, sacrifice, and intimate relationship with the Savior. It beckons one to worship in Spirit and truth, depend on the Holy Spirit, and steadfastly walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life.