What Does It Mean to Be a Child of God According to Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

What is the difference between being "sons of God" and "children of God" in John 1:12-13?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John consistently uses "children of God" rather than "sons of God" in his writings, and this distinction is significant. The term "sons" emphasizes position, status, and adoption—something more objective and external. In contrast, "children" emphasizes something internal, related to nature rather than position, and conveys the concept of regeneration. The word "children" highlights a "direct and immediate connection, this whole inward relationship and partaking of the same nature."

Are all people automatically children of God according to Lloyd-Jones?

No, Lloyd-Jones strongly refutes the popular teaching of the "universal fatherhood of God." He states that John 1:12 clearly teaches that only "as many as received him" were given the power to become children of God—not everyone. Lloyd-Jones calls the idea that everyone is already God's child "a complete lie." He argues that if all were already God's children, there would have been no need for Christ to come into the world. The Bible consistently maintains a division between those who are God's children and those who are not.

What does it mean to "become" children of God?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the word "become" is crucial because it indicates a real transformation. We are not merely given a title or status while remaining unchanged. Unlike Jesus, who always was the Son of God and never "became" one, we must undergo a fundamental change in our nature. This involves a real birth and transformation that makes us genuinely children of God—not just in name but in nature. As he states, "It isn't that we are given a position and a status... there is a real becoming."

How do we become children of God according to this sermon?

Lloyd-Jones explains that we become children of God through the new birth or regeneration. John 1:13 describes this process: "which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of men, but of God." This verse excludes all human means of becoming God's child: 1. Not by heredity or natural descent ("not of blood") 2. Not by natural procreation ("nor of the will of the flesh") 3. Not by human effort, teaching, or influence ("nor of the will of men")

Instead, we become children of God entirely by God's action and initiative. This new birth comes "of God" alone.

What practical implications come from being children of God?

Being God's children means we become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). Lloyd-Jones explains that as children take after their parents, we begin to manifest God's character in our lives, particularly in love. As John elaborates in his first epistle, we demonstrate our status as God's children by loving our brothers and sisters and keeping God's commandments. Lloyd-Jones notes that Jesus taught the same principle: "Love your enemies... be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." This new relationship transforms our vital capacities, perceptions, and emotions.

What is the "power" given to become children of God?

Lloyd-Jones explains that the Greek word translated as "power" in John 1:12 doesn't mean physical, moral, or spiritual strength. Rather, it means "authority," "right," "privilege," or "honor." Quoting Calvin, he says it means "being reckoned worthy of that." It's not about giving people a possibility they can choose to exercise; it means those who believe are placed in the position of honor where they are truly the children of God.