How do I become a child of God?

Definition and Origin of the Term “Child of God”

The concept of becoming a child of God appears throughout Scripture, conveying a relationship of kinship and belonging to God through faith. The phrase indicates not merely creation (since God created all humans), but adoption into a divine family. As it is written, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). This reveals a clear distinction: the status of being a child of God is rooted in receiving Jesus Christ by faith.

The Universal Need for Reconciliation

All people experience the effects of sin, a condition that estranged humans from fellowship with God (cf. Romans 3:23). Sin, by its very nature, separates us from our Creator, thus requiring us to seek a way to be reconciled. The Bible teaches that reconciliation and restoration come exclusively through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial work, in fulfillment of an eternal plan evidenced in Genesis 3, when the earliest promise of redemption was hinted at (Genesis 3:15).

Provision through Christ’s Sacrifice and Resurrection

Central to being a child of God is faith in the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of Christ. His resurrection is historically upheld by numerous evidences: eyewitness testimonies (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), the empty tomb attested by multiple sources, and the transformation of Christ’s followers—who went from fearing death to boldly proclaiming the risen Christ despite potential martyrdom. Ancient manuscript evidence, including early New Testament papyri and the widespread textual tradition, underscores the reliable transmission of these events.

Repentance and Turning from Sin

Scripture teaches that turning to God involves acknowledging wrongdoing and desiring a changed life: “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Repentance, or a deliberate turning away from sin, is an act prompted by the Holy Spirit that reorients hearts to God’s ways. This was echoed by the earliest apostles and shaped the practice of the early church, which taught that true, lasting change begins with a heart posture of humility (cf. Acts 2:37–38).

Faith in Christ and Confession

Becoming a child of God centers on placing trust in Christ. Faith is more than mental acceptance; it is placing one’s life under God’s authority, believing He is both Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9). The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus form the basis for this faith: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This confession is inherently personal but has cosmic significance; it is an acknowledgment of the one path to God and the sufficiency of Christ’s completed work.

Receiving the Holy Spirit’s Indwelling

Upon this confession, Scripture asserts that believers receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14). The Spirit testifies within us that we are indeed children of God (Romans 8:16). Historically, the apostles and early Christians testified to radical transformations mirroring miraculous evidences of God’s power at work (cf. Acts 2:1–4). Even modern-day accounts of miraculous healing or the radical changes seen in individuals’ lives provide further testimony of the Holy Spirit’s active presence.

Adoption into God’s Family

The Bible uses the imagery of adoption, a practice recognizable in the ancient world, where a child from another family could be brought into a new family and granted full rights of an heir. Galatians 4:4–5 affirms this status: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son…that we might receive our adoption as sons.” Inheritance from God now includes sharing in eternal life and the blessings crafted for His children (Romans 8:17).

Evidence of the New Birth

Though salvation is purely by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), certain changes indicate that a person has become a child of God:

• Love for God’s Word: A natural desire emerges to read and understand Scripture.

• Transformation of Character: Traits like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control increase in a believer’s life (Galatians 5:22–23).

• Desire to Share the Gospel: An eagerness to communicate one’s faith—such was the pattern of the early church, as they spread the message from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

• Movement Toward Holiness: Though still imperfect, genuine believers experience conviction over sin and a pull toward holy living (1 John 3:9–10).

Practical Steps toward Becoming a Child of God

1. Acknowledge Your Need: Recognize that sin separates humanity from God (Romans 3:23).

2. Repent of Sin: Turn from wrongdoing and surrender pride (Acts 3:19).

3. Believe in Jesus Christ: Trust completely in His death and resurrection as the only means of salvation (John 14:6).

4. Confess Him as Lord: Declare with sincerity that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9–10).

5. Receive the Holy Spirit: Invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within you, guiding your daily walk.

6. Live as a Disciple: Grow through prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship. The early church provides a model: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

Consistency and Reliability of Scripture

Texts spanning centuries—from the Pentateuch to the New Testament—consistently declare God’s plan of redemption. Archaeological finds, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, show the remarkable preservation and consistency of biblical manuscripts over time. This provides confidence that the promise of becoming a child of God is anchored in historically transmitted texts that remain stable and accurate.

Encouragement from Historical and Scientific Perspectives

Though the Bible’s spiritual truths stand firm on their own right, additional support comes from historical and scientific perspectives offered by various scholars. Rigorous research into intelligent design proposes that life’s complexity points to a Creator. Earth’s geological records, seen through a young-earth lens, reinforce the narrative of a designed universe. Meanwhile, documented miracles and healing experiences provide contemporary illustrations that buttress the notion that God still intervenes powerfully in today’s world.

Living Out Your Identity in God’s Family

Once you have become a child of God, the Bible encourages continual growth in understanding your identity in Christ. This involves daily surrender, prayer, study of Scripture, participation in a community of believers, and a life characterized by Christlike love (John 13:34–35). The ultimate goal is to glorify God, reflecting His nature in every area of life, and to anticipate the eternal inheritance promised to God’s children.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a child of God incorporates repentance, faith in Christ’s atoning work, reception of the Holy Spirit, and an ongoing life of surrender and discipleship. Scripture declares this status as a profound rebirth—a new creation in Christ. The historical and spiritual evidences ultimately converge on one truth: through belief in Christ, you are granted the right to be adopted into God’s family. As you walk in this reality, you embrace the calling and privilege of being His child.