Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Children of God" refers to those who have been spiritually reborn through faith in Jesus Christ, becoming part of God's family. This concept is central to Christian theology and is rooted in the New Testament. 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 belief that becoming a child of God is not a result of natural descent or human effort, but a divine act of grace through faith.
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this 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.
Being a child of God also implies a transformation in identity and behavior. In 1
John 3:1-2, it is stated, "See what great love the Father has lavished on 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" . This passage emphasizes the love of God and the future hope of believers, who are called to live in a manner that reflects their new identity.
Righteous LivingRighteous living is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a commitment to live according to God's standards as revealed in Scripture. It involves both moral integrity and ethical conduct, rooted in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently calls believers to pursue righteousness as an expression of their faith and devotion.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (
Matthew 5:6). This beatitude highlights the deep desire and pursuit of righteousness that characterizes the life of a believer. Righteous living is not merely about external compliance with rules but an internal transformation that aligns one's heart and actions with God's will.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes, "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness" (
Romans 6:13). This exhortation underscores the believer's responsibility to reject sin and dedicate themselves wholly to God, allowing His righteousness to be manifested in their lives.
Moreover, righteous living is closely associated with the fruit of the Spirit, as described in
Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" . These virtues are evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, producing a character that reflects God's righteousness.
The pursuit of righteousness is also linked to the hope of eternal life. In
1 Timothy 6:11-12, Paul instructs Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses" . This passage encourages believers to actively pursue righteousness as part of their spiritual journey, with the assurance of eternal life as their ultimate reward.