Not All People Are God's Children

During his inauguration address, President Donald Trump talked about the importance of being a unified country. He proceeded to quote Psalm 133:1, which says, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Though the president did not misquote that verse he did misuse it and he is not alone.

For centuries, there has been this belief that every human being is a child of God. The Bible does say we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), but it does say something a little different when it comes to being a child of God. The gospel tells us those who believe in Jesus have been given "the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13). The Apostle Paul points out that those who have been adopted into the family of God have the right to call God, "Father" (Romans 8:15-16).

Jesus even told the people of His day, who were not His followers, who thought they were following Abraham:

"You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:41-47)

Ephesians 2 tells us that we followed the ways the devil who works in those who are the sons of disobedience. If we all God's children, we should strive for holiness. Think how this world would be if everyone were God's children, but we are not. Those who put their faith in Christ are God's children. The fruit of the labor of the Holy Spirit is shown in one's life who has been redeemed by Jesus.

We all are God's creations, but not everyone is God's child. President Trump wants unity for our nation and there is nothing wrong for him to desire that. However, by using Psalm 133:1, he is implying that since we all are God's children we must be unified. That verse, in its original context is about the covenant people of God in the nation of Israel. Those under the New Covenant can apply this verse in regards to the church. God's people, the church, must be unified. Unity among the brethren is a sweet thing.