The words used by the NT to describe believers point to their status and privileges as the adopted children of God.
Believers are no longer slaves but sons
Galatians 4:7–9 See also John 8:34–36; Romans 8:15; Philemon 1:16
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Believers are children of God
1 John 3:1–2 The title “child of God” is thought by some to be distinct from that of “son of God” (see below). “child” is thought to emphasise God's fatherhood, whilst “son” is thought to emphasise the Christian's privileges. These terms are however, sometimes used interchangeably. See also Luke 20:36; Romans 8:21; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 3:2, 1 John 5:2
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Believers are sons of God
Romans 8:14 See also Romans 9:26; Galatians 3:26
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Believers are children of the resurrection
Believers are children of light, sons of light
John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Believers are heirs of God
Romans 8:17 See also Galatians 3:29, Galatians 4:7; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 6:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ — if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Believers are brothers of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 2:11–12 See also Matthew 12:48–50; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:17
For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.”
Believers are brothers of other believers
1 John 3:14 See also 1 John 4:19–20; Revelation 12:10, Revelation 19:10
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.
Believers are members of God's household, his family
Ephesians 2:19 See also Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 3:2–6
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.