Who Qualifies as a Child of God

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

Some say everyone is a child of God, but while every person is a creation of God, everyone is not a son or daughter of God. Romans 8:14 tells us what differentiates one of God’s creations from one of God’s children. God’s children are led by His Spirit.

To begin with, the Holy Spirit leads people to hear and accept the Gospel. Without the Holy Spirit, no one could be born again. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Hebrews 10:29 tells us the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace. So, you could read Ephesians 2:8 this way: “For by the Holy Spirit are ye saved through faith.” John 3:6 confirms the Holy Spirit’s role in the new birth. It says, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Once a person is born of the Spirit, it’s up to them to allow the Spirit to lead them. The word led in Romans 8:14 is ago in Greek. One meaning of the word is to be open. To be led by the Spirit, one must be open to the Spirit, and to do that, you must have a listening ear.

May I ask you a question? When you pray, do you do all the talking or do you allow the Holy Spirit time to talk to you? Many people, if they were honest, would admit they just rattle off what they want when they pray. However, a true son or daughter of God will be open to hear the Lord and then they’ll obey Him.

Practical Application

Every person who is born again is a son or daughter of God, but not all listen for His leading. Some listen more attentively than others, but we can all improve in our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s lead. He always knows what’s best for God’s children. Listen for His direction every day.

John 1:12; Isaiah 48:17