While everyone can be called the offspring of God, or the creation of God, not everyone is a child of God. The Bible is clear that only those who have been saved or born-again are the children of God. This is the Doctrine of Adoption. We were by nature the children of God before the Fall (Adam and Eve), but after the Fall, we lost our standing and position in the Family of God. We became sinners, and natural enemies of God. This Doctrine of Adoption has great ramifications for having a true understanding of God’s Love, Judgment, and Mercy. It is important to understand if the sinner, saint, or both are the subject in mind when the Bible talks about God’s Love, Judgment, and Mercy. Otherwise, a false understanding of God’s Character will distort the truth.

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15 (KJV)

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal 3:26 (KJV)

“4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Gal 4:4-7 (KJV)

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will…” Eph 1:5 (KJV)