1. We are children of God instrumentally, by faith in Christ. "Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:26).
We are children of God by birth, as to our right. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God" (Jhn 1:12-13).
2. We are children of God by acknowledgment, for He acknowledges us as such. "We should be called children of God, and such we are" (1Jo 3:1, R.V.).
3. We are children of God by adoption, as to our security. "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children" (Eph 1:5).
4. We are children of God consciously, because He, by the Spirit in the Word, tells us so. "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal 4:6).
5. We are children of God manifestly before the world, as we walk in practical obedience to Him. "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance" (1Pe 1:14-17).
6. We are children of God in reality, as we are led by the Spirit. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Rom 8:14).