The Bible often refers to believers as children of God. Let’s delve into the true significance of being a child of God by examining various biblical parables and passages in Scripture around this concept.
1. What Is A Child Of God?
A child of God is a believer who has undergone a spiritual rebirth, often referred to as being born again or to be born of God.
Every person first experiences a physical birth from their mother. When they come to believe in Christ and accept him as their Lord and Savior, they undergo a new birth. This new birth is spiritual and made possible by God’s who is Spirit (John 4:24). The passage below expresses this notion:
John 1:12-13 NLT
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.
The moment an individual accepts Jesus, they are considered a child in a spiritual sense, even though they may be an adult in this earthly realm.
2. What Is Expected In Being A Child Of God?
Just like newborns need their mother’s milk and care to thrive, newly born (again) believers require sustenance from God’s presence and the wisdom that comes from knowing Him in order to grow and mature.
It would be both unreasonable and strange for a mother to expect her child to feed, clothe, and care for themselves, as well as engage in other adult responsibilities. The same principle applies in the Kingdom of God. The Father’s expectation of His children is to remain in His presence and grow.
This growth encompasses a development spiritual wisdom, strength, and favor with both the Father and people.
In his early years, Jesus exemplified this as he grew and matured in four dimensions. By earnestly seeking the Father and desiring spiritual nourishment, found in the Word, he demonstrated spiritual growth and physical growth too. The following Scripture in Luke attests the four dimensions of growth.
Luke 2:54 NLT
Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.
3. The Benefits of Being A Child Of God
Responsible fathers understand their obligation to pass on wealth to their children. They set aside an inheritance so that when their children come of age, they can utilize it to advance the family’s legacy and honor the family name. This act is driven by the father’s love for his child, with the hope of seeing them thrive and succeed in life.
The same principle applies in the Kingdom of God. Our Heavenly Father loves us immensely, and the Bible assures us that the blessings He has in store for us are beyond our imagination.
1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’
This truth resonates throughout Scripture, revealing that God desires to bless His children because of His profound love for them. His blessings are spiritual in nature, yet they manifest physically. As Paul wrote:
Ephesians 1:3 NLT
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
This passage emphasizes that every spiritual blessing is included; nothing is left out. Everything the Father possesses has been graciously bestowed upon us, His children.
4. What Happens When The Child Matures?
We all began as children, eventually growing and maturing. In today’s society, young adults typically leave their parents’ home to attend university, followed by seeking employment, starting businesses, or even beginning a family.
A similar progression can be observed in the Kingdom of God. As we mature, the Father entrusts His wealth to His children and sends them out into the world. These mature individuals are known as servants of God as they have reached a heightened spiritual maturity. They are tasked with sharing the Father’s wisdom and message of the Good News with all of people.
This is the path experienced by the disciples. Initially, they followed Jesus and recognized him as the Messiah through his miraculous works.
John 2:11 NLT
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Like children clinging to a parent, they journeyed with Jesus, learning and growing in wisdom while witnessing God’s power. Jesus shared numerous parables and elucidated the workings of the Kingdom of God. After this, he commissioned them to venture into the world, preach the Gospel and perform even greater deeds than he had accomplished (Mark 16:15).
He left them, and us, with the precious gift of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to perform great works and uncover even deeper mysteries of the Kingdom (John 16:14-15).
Acts 1:8 NLT
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
5. The Parable Of The Prodigal Son
Jesus shared the Parable of the Prodigal Son, about a father, symbolizing God, and his two sons, representing different types of believers. Both sons lived with their father, as was natural for children. They were expected to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with Him and those around them.
However, one son demanded his share of wealth to pursue his own path. Unfortunately, things did not unfold as he had hoped. The prodigal son squandered his inheritance and ended up living among the pigs. Eventually, he decided to return to his father.
Leaving the presence of God too soon, without the spiritual maturity to serve him, can lead to disastrous consequences. The duty of a child of God is to stay in His presence; while a servant of God’s duty is to utilize the gifts entrusted upon him to glorify God, the Father.
The other brother, although he remained with the father, also hadn’t matured. He became angry over his brother’s return and lamented that he had never been celebrated with a feast, while his brother received the finest robe and a grand celebration. However, the father responded to him with love:
Luke 15:31 NLT
His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours.’
This brother, still a child at heart, needed to grow in knowledge and wisdom to understand that, as a child, everything the father has belongs to him. This is in line with what Jesus said of our heavenly Father in Matthew 11:27, “My Father has entrusted everything to me.”
Similarly, all believers must grow in spiritual maturity; God bestows gifts upon us according to our capacity to bring Him glory. This concept is further demonstrated in the Parable of the Three Servants, where all three servants evolved from being children to servants and were entrusted with silver in accordance with their abilities (Matthew 25:15).
6. Final Remarks
Being a child of God begins with a spiritual rebirth through the Spirit.
This transformation allows us to dwell in the presence of God and to flourish in spiritual wisdom. To nurture this wisdom, it is essential to adopt a spiritual lifestyle that includes:
- Reading the Word
- Meditation
- Prayer
As the child matures spiritually, they are called to serve, and are bestowed with gifts relevant to their calling and purpose that was set before the foundations of the world.
When these children venture into the world, utilizing the gifts from the Father, He is glorified. Their impact on others brings many into the revelation of the Father, leading to yet another spiritual rebirth in other people.
I started writing down one thing at the end of every day — what I actually managed to do. Not a to-do list, not plans. Just one small win. It’s surprising how quickly it shifts your perspective.