Are we all children of God, or are only Christians God's children?

what does the bible say?

Humanity was created in God's image (Genesis 1:26), but due to the fall, we are born as children of wrath and disobedience (Psalm 51:5). While all people are created by God (1 Corinthians 8:6), not everyone is a child of God; only those who are born again through faith in Jesus are His children (John 1:12–13; Romans 8:14). This spiritual rebirth, not natural descent, marks someone as a child of God (John 3:5–8). Being a child of God means being deeply loved and secure in His care, living a transformed life that reflects His character, and having access to all the riches of His grace. This identity offers us eternal hope and a calling that transcends this world. We are defined by God's grace, and this changes our identity, purpose, and daily living. God calls all to respond to His offer of salvation and to become His children.

from the old testament

All of humanity was made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26); however, by nature, because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we are born in sin and are therefore children of wrath, disobedience, and the devil (Psalm 51:5).

from the new testament

We are all created by God (1 Corinthians 8:6; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16), but we are not all God's children (Ephesians 2:2–3).John 1:12–13 states that only those who are born again are God’s children: "But to all who did receive him [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."First John 3:10 draws a clear distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil, based on their relationship with God and their actions.Romans 8:14 tells us that “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Only those who have placed their trust in Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins receive the Holy Spirit.It is not natural descent but regeneration that makes one a child of God (John 3:5–8).Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we are by nature and by choice sinners and, therefore, children of wrath, disobedience, and the devil (Ephesians 2:3).However, because of God’s great love for us, He sent His only begotten Son to pay the ransom our sins required (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:5–6). Those who believe in Jesus Christ and trust in Him alone for forgiveness and salvation receive the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:5–7; Ephesians 1:5). Those who have the Spirit are the children of God. Those who have been regenerated by the Spirit and have become children of God will show evidence of their adoption by way of a transformed mind and life (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18).

implications for today

If everyone were a child of God from birth, then neither the sacrifice of Christ nor adoption by God would be necessary. The truth is that only those who have been born again, born of the Spirit by believing in Jesus Christ, are the children of God. Only those who can call Jesus Lord and Savior can call God "Abba Father" (Galatians 4:6–7). Therefore, although we are all creations of God, only those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ (i.e., Christians) are God's children.

As God's children, we are adopted into His family. We are deeply loved, valued, and secure in His care. This identity gives us the assurance that we are not defined by our past mistakes, societal labels, or the opinions of others, but by the unconditional love of our heavenly Father. It also calls us to live in a way that reflects our Father's character—pursuing righteousness, showing love and compassion, and seeking to live according to His will. As children of God, we have access to His wisdom, guidance, and strength. We can face challenges with confidence, knowing that our Father is with us. Furthermore, being part of God's family means we are co-heirs with Christ, which fills our lives with eternal hope and a purpose that goes beyond this world. Our identity as children of God invites us to live in the freedom of God's grace, to trust in His provision, and to walk in the calling He has placed on our lives.