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Child of God, Children of God, Sons of God (Christians and Angels)
Meaning
These two terms find their meaning in the Bible. One from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. In Old Testament scripture the term “sons of God” refers to angels. Whereas in the New Testament the terms “child of God” or “children of God” refer exclusively to Christians. As followers of Jesus Christians are a new creation in Christ. We have been adopted by faith into the family of God. Angels are created spiritual beings. Created by God directly. They worship and praise God and serve as His messengers and carry out duties given by God. Humanity, unlike the angels was made in the image of God. In addition, all of humanity with the exception of Adam and Eve are descendents from one another. Whereas each angel was made directly and individually by God.
In the Old Testament the nation of Israel is called the “firstborn son of God.” This is because God selected them to be His chosen people, through whom He would carry out His plan of redemption. And though Israel is called the “firstborn son of God” it is in reference to the nation as a whole. Moreover, the Bible never refers to Israel as the “sons of God.” We only see the phrase “sons of God” applied to angels. The Old Testament writers used the term to combat the paganism of the day. This was because the term showed that God was in control of not just the angels, but the false gods (demons) as well.
The term “children of God” is used only in reference to those redeemed by the blood of Christ. Through our faith the Bible tells us we have the “spirit of sonship.” This helps to give us the picture of the restored relationship we have with God through Christ. A relationship restored after the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. As Christians our adoption is not complete. We now have the title as “children of God” and we have the restored relationship with God. However, our transformation will not be complete until we see Jesus face to face.
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.'” (Book of Job 1:6-7)
“Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.'” (Book of Job 2:1-2)
“When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Book of Job 38:7)
Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. “So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.”‘” (Book of Exodus 4:22-23)
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” (Book of Hebrews 12:22-24)
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (Gospel of John 1:12)
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (book of Romans 8:15-17)