Did you know that the Bible describes two types of people? You can either be a child of God or a child of Satan. The problem is that most people don’t even know who the father they are worshiping. It’s time to put an end to this confusion. Discover now how to become a child of God and not of Satan!
Let’s get real for a moment. There’s a hard truth in the Bible that most people don’t want to hear. Are you ready for it?
We are not all children of God.
I know.
That’s a bold statement.
It might even sound harsh.
But it’s straight from Scripture, and the sooner we confront this reality, the sooner we can understand what it truly means to belong to God.
The Distinction Between God’s Children and Satan’s Children
The Bible draws a clear line between two groups of people: the children of God and the children of the devil.
In 1 John 3:10, it says:
“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.”
Did you catch that? The distinction isn’t based on your family name, church attendance, or how “good” you think you are. It’s about whether you practice righteousness and love others.
Let me break it down.
The children of God reflect His character.
They walk in obedience to His Word.
They pursue righteousness—not perfection, but a lifestyle of striving to please God.
They also love their brothers and sisters deeply, without conditions.
On the other hand, the children of the devil practice sin.
They live in rebellion against God, holding onto hatred, envy, selfishness, and unforgiveness.
They may look like they have it all together, but their hearts are far from God.
This is why Jesus told the Pharisees, the religious leaders of His day, something shocking:
“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do” (John 8:44).
Ouch.
But here’s the thing: the Pharisees weren’t atheists.
They were religious people.
They were leaders!
And yet Jesus called them out because their actions and attitudes showed who they truly belonged to.
So let’s not kid ourselves.
It’s not enough to say you’re a child of God.
Your life needs to reflect it.
Are We All God’s Children?
Here’s another truth bomb. While every person is God’s creation, not everyone is His child.
Look at John 1:12:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
Did you see that? Becoming a child of God is a privilege—a right—given only to those who receive Jesus Christ and believe in His name. It’s not automatic. You don’t inherit it from your parents. You don’t earn it by being a “good person.”
It’s a gift. And like any gift, you have to accept it.
Paul echoes this in Romans 8:16:
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
God’s Spirit confirms who belongs to Him. It’s an intimate relationship, not a title you can slap on just because it sounds nice.
What About Those Who Aren’t God’s Children?
The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat this. Those who are not God’s children are described as:
- Children of wrath:
Ephesians 2:3 says that before coming to Christ, we were all “by nature children of wrath.” This means that our sin separated us from God, and we were under His righteous judgment. - Children of the devil:
1 John 3:8 lays it out plainly:
“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.”
This doesn’t mean that if you mess up once, you’re automatically disqualified. But if sin defines your life—if it’s your default setting—then you’re not walking with God.
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Two Marks of a Child of God
So, how do you know if you’re a child of God?
Let’s go back to 1 John 3:10. Two things stand out:
- Practicing righteousness
This doesn’t mean living a flawless life, but it does mean that your heart is set on obeying God. You care about what He says. You strive to live according to His Word. You repent when you fall short. - Loving your brother
Love is non-negotiable. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God, and the second is to love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). If you’re harboring hatred, bitterness, or resentment, it’s time to let it go.
Being a child of God means reflecting His love to everyone—yes, even the difficult ones.
A Heart Check
Let me ask you something.
Do you see these two marks in your life? Are you practicing righteousness? Are you loving others as God commands?
If the answer is no, don’t panic. Don’t beat yourself up. But do take it seriously.
It’s not too late to turn things around.
Becoming a Child of God
If you’re reading this and realizing you’re not a child of God, don’t lose hope. The good news is that God wants you to be His child. He made a way through Jesus Christ.
Romans 9:8 says:
“That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.”
Becoming a child of God starts with receiving Jesus as your Savior. Confess your sins. Believe in His name. Surrender your life to Him.
It’s not about trying harder. It’s about letting Him transform you from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
Let me leave you with this: God loves you more than you can imagine. He wants you to be His child. But the choice is yours.
Will you continue living as a child of wrath, or will you step into the incredible identity of being a child of God?
The invitation is open. The question is—what will you do?
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).
Take that step today. Practice righteousness. Love your brother. And experience the joy of being part of God’s family.
