What is the meaning of being a child of God?

The New Testament presents a clear distinction between those born of the flesh and those born of the Spirit. In Revelation, false religion is described as producing ‘illegitimate children’ who are unholy and unrighteous. In contrast, being a child of God comes through the preaching of the gospel and belief in Christ, which births believers into a new identity—holy and righteous. This new birth is characterized by an abandonment of self-reliance and a total dependence on Christ’s perfect obedience for righteousness.