Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Children of God

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The title "Children of God" is a profound designation for believers, reflecting their relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This title emphasizes the intimate and familial bond between God and His followers, highlighting both privilege and responsibility.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of believers as "Children of God" is rooted in the New Testament, where it is used to describe those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and have been spiritually reborn. In the Gospel of John, it is written, "But 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 passage underscores the transformative power of faith, granting believers a new identity as members of God's family.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Romans 8:14-17, Paul writes, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him" . This passage highlights the intimate relationship between believers and God, characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of inheritance alongside Christ.

Theological Significance

Being called "Children of God" carries profound theological implications. It signifies a new birth and a new identity, as believers are adopted into God's family. This adoption is not based on human merit but on God's grace and love, as expressed in Ephesians 1:5: "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will" .

This identity as God's children also entails a call to holiness and righteousness. In 1 John 3:1-3, the Apostle John writes, "Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" . This passage emphasizes the transformative hope and moral responsibility that come with being God's children.

Practical Implications

As "Children of God," believers are called to live in a manner that reflects their divine parentage. This includes exhibiting love, compassion, and obedience to God's commandments. The familial relationship with God also provides believers with comfort and assurance, knowing they are cared for by a loving Father. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus reminds His followers of God's provision: "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" .

Furthermore, being "Children of God" unites believers into a spiritual family, the Church, where they are called to support and encourage one another. This communal aspect is reflected in Galatians 3:26-28: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . This unity transcends earthly divisions, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual care among believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 11:52
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:10
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour ... The wicked have them by providence; the saints
by promise ... He blesses them in their souls, bodies, names, estate, posterity ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... It was enough of old with the saints, "It is the Lord, let him do ... word Jehovah holds
forth more to angels than all the inculcated names and titles of God ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm

Acts XI
... special reference to character, they were called saints. ... of mystic Babylon, and the
swelling titles by which ... the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... 1. 9 10. Hymn 1:138. Saints in the hands of Christ, John 10. 28 29. ... Hymn 1:147. The
names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. Hymn 1:148. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Mark, Luke, and John, by
their right names, but must ... By grace alone could the saints in Rome call God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints," 19:8 ... dwell on the earth shall
wonder, whose names were not ... mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... 2:103, 2:104; communion with him, 1:66, 1:71; and saints, 1:67 ... in his life, death,
and resurrection, 2:137; and Moses, 1:49, 1:118; names and titles, 1:147 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... 2 Tim. 1:9,10. HYMN 138 Saints in the hands of Christ Jn. 10:28,29. ... HYMN 147
The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

Indexes and Tables
... communion with him, i. [1375]66, [1376]71; and saints, i. [1377]67, [1378]76; iii.
[1379]2; ... names and titles, i. [1455]147, [1456]148, [1457]149; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/indexes and tables.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm