One of the common debates between Protestants and Latter-day Saints is whether human beings are by nature children of God. It’s a well-worn topic with familiar arguments on both sides.
On the one hand, Scripture does speak of all people as God’s creation. In Acts 17:28–29, Paul reminds the Athenians that “we are His offspring.” All humans bear His image and are, in that sense, children of God by nature.
On the other hand, Scripture also uses strong language to describe humanity’s fallen condition outside of Christ. Ephesians 2:3 calls us “children of wrath,” and 1 John 3:10 distinguishes between “the children of God” and “the children of the devil.” These passages remind us that being made in God’s image, while dignifying, is not enough to guarantee salvation or acceptance with Him.
Honestly, I think this debate can become a distraction. We can spend so much energy arguing over whether we are “children of God by birth” that we miss what matters most—and where there may even be some common ground. Whatever our status in creation, it is not enough to save us.
The Gospel of John makes this point clearly. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12–13). Later, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3).
We can be grateful for the blessings of natural birth as image bearers of God—for the conscience that testifies to His law and for His common grace that restrains evil. Yet we must also be honest about the impact of the fall: our natural status is not enough. Because of sin, we are alienated from the God who made us. Whatever our status as God’s children by creation, it gives no lasting assurance. A merely natural relationship would always leave us in a precarious position—still under the threat of disinheritance and judgment.
Creation gives dignity, but only adoption gives security.
The full language of sonship, inheritance, and heirs is reserved for those who are united to Christ by faith. Adoption moves us from peril to peace, from wrath to reconciliation. We are brought into God’s covenant family, promised as heirs, and sealed by His Spirit.
Because adoption rests on God’s unchanging promise, we can have unshakable assurance. That’s why Paul can proclaim that “neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39). Our inheritance isn’t conditional on our worthiness—it’s grounded in His faithfulness. That’s why God gives us His Holy Spirit as the guarantor of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14) and promises us eternal life with an “irrevocable” calling (Romans 11:29).
Understanding adoption in Christ transforms how we live:
- Assurance of Salvation (Romans 8:15–17) – Our place in God’s family isn’t conditional on our performance. We rest in His promise.
- Motivation for Obedience (Galatians 4:6–7) – Good works flow from gratitude, not from trying to earn favor. We serve out of love, not fear.
- Relational Intimacy (Matthew 6:9) – We can approach God as a loving Father who delights in us, not as a distant judge measuring our efforts.
While theological discussions about our natural status can be interesting, they can also distract us from the marvel of what God has done in Christ. The heart of the gospel isn’t arguing over semantics—it’s celebrating the promise and assurance of adoption.
So while I can affirm that all people are God’s creation and image-bearers, there is something uniquely precious about being adopted in Christ. My adoption came by God’s deliberate choice and costly love—He died for my sins, sealed me with His Spirit, and guaranteed my inheritance. That’s an unshakeable, grace-filled truth worth celebrating.