Are we all "Children of God"?

Denise Shae · #1 Sep 18, '06, 5:18 pm

A few weeks ago, my dear friend, who is a self proclaimed Sola Scriptura, Non-Denominational, evangelical Protestant asked me: "Do you think non-Christians are children of God?"

Well, having gone to parochial school for nine years, I was taught that God is our Father and that we (mankind) are God's children.

I think I was baited becaus he shot back with John 1:12-13 -- "12 But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. 13 Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

I couldn't argue with that, and I couldn't say, "Well, that's just your interpretation of the passage", because it was right there in front of me.

Is my friend correct? Is there anything in Sacred Scripture that implies that all men are children of God? Does the Church teach we are all God's children?

It's really hard discussing Christianity with Christians who believe that the Holy Bible is the sole and ultimate basis of teaching.

Thank and God Bless.

In His Most Sacred Heart

Denise

NDIrish · #2 Sep 18, '06, 7:03 pm

My understanding is that we become children of God in Baptism.

Genesis315 · #3 Sep 18, '06, 7:10 pm

I agree with NDIrish; that's what I've always been taught.

Now, that being said, all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God.

Damascus · #4 Sep 18, '06, 7:13 pm

I agree with the prior poster.

All creation is Gods work.

He is the authour of life.

ricko · #5 Sep 18, '06, 7:38 pm

Denise, we are born "creatures of God" with original sin on our souls. Not by a personal act of our own but an inheritance from our original parents, Adam and Eve. By the act of baptism, our soul is cleansed of all sin and we receive sanctifying grace, a free gift of God. By that act we now become "Children of God".

Tiny Montgomery · #6 Sep 20, '06, 4:08 pm

Paul talking to the pagans in Athens:

For "In him we live and move and have our being," as even some of
your poets have said, "For we too are his offspring."

Since therefore we are the offspring of God...
- Acts 17:28-29

NDIrish · #7 Sep 20, '06, 4:38 pm

From the Catechism:

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCC 1243

The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has "put on Christ,"42 has risen with Christ. the candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte. In him the baptized are "the light of the world."43
The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: "Our Father."

HailMary · #8 Sep 20, '06, 4:50 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDIrish

My understanding is that we become children of God in Baptism.

We are truly adopted children of God in Baptism but we are fully children of God if, God-willing and hopefully, we make it in Heaven. Then, dare I say, He will divinize us to share in His nature.

No matter how you try, you can't make a dog your "child" since it does not share in your nature as a human. Hence, you would need to change the dogs nature (to human) to qualify it to be your child.

trogiah · #9 Sep 21, '06, 11:36 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denise Shae

A few weeks ago, my dear friend, who is a self proclaimed Sola Scriptura, Non-Denominational, evangelical Protestant asked me: "Do you think non-Christians are children of God?"

Well, having gone to parochial school for nine years, I was taught that God is our Father and that we (mankind) are God's children.

I think I was baited becaus he shot back with John 1:12-13 -- "12 But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. 13 Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

I couldn't argue with that, and I couldn't say, "Well, that's just your interpretation of the passage", because it was right there in front of me.

Even what is right in front of us must be interpreted. I would ask you to consider what "as many as received him" means. What does it mean to receive Jesus. Does it mean those who say "I accept Jesus into my life?" Or does it mean those who live their lives as though they have accepted Jesus into their lives.

Jesus seems to indicate the latter. He says "Not all those who say 'Lord, Lord', but only those who do the will of my Father will join me in heaven."

He also says "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called Children of God"

Any Buddhist, Hindu, Moslem, Taoist, Confucianist, Shinto, Jew, Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic or fundamentalist who lives their life as Jesus taught will have a share in God's kingdom. This is what Jesus taught.

I am not saying that the faith tradition we are born in and practice doesn't matter. To me being Catholic is like having a front row seat in the class that matters most for graduation. But if a person in the back row listens, they can still make the grade. The reverse can also happen. A person in the front row can decide to tune out the teacher. In this case I think that would be very bad.

Jim

Denise Shae · #10 Sep 22, '06, 7:54 am

You all make very good points, and I thank you for sharing them with me.

God Bless you all!

In His Most Sacred

,

Denise

Gratias Grace · #11 Sep 22, '06, 9:51 am

Since we all (human beings) are created in Gods image, we are all adopted children of God. All children of God, however, aren't christians. That we become through baptism!