Image of God vs. Children of God: A Biblical Distinction
The Bible affirms that every human being bears God’s image, yet it also teaches that not all people are children of God. Genesis 1:26–27 (ESV) declares that “God created man in his own image… male and female he created them”. The CSB and NASB render this similarly: “So God created man in his own image… male and female He created them.” In other words, all humanity shares an inherent dignity and moral capacity as God’s image-bearers. However, being a child of God is a distinct, spiritual status granted by faith in Christ. John 1:12 (ESV) teaches that “to all who did receive [Jesus]… he gave the right to become children of God.” The CSB similarly says “he gave them the right to be children of God,” and the NASB states “He gave the right to become children of God.” Thus, receiving Christ by faith is what makes us God’s sons and daughters (Galatians 3:26; Romans 8:14–17). This blog post unpacks the biblical and theological basis for this distinction and its implications for our identity, evangelism, and discipleship.