IS
BEING CALLED CHILD OF GOD A PRIVILEGE RESERVED FOR THOSE
WHO ARE BAPTIZED ? Is being called child
of God a privilege reserved exclusively for those who are
baptized or who believe in Christ? This is what is
written in the Gospel of Saint John (1: 12). If the non-baptized are
not called children of God, what are they called? *** We are all creatures of God. We depend on God. All humans are called to salvation; Christ died for all. We can say, in a way, we are all children of God. The title of sons or daughters of God is often used in the Bible, in favor of people who have never been baptized. This title emphasizes their link with the Lord; especially with respect to the chosen people, the descendants of Israel. However, we enter into a genuine filial relationship through baptism required by Jesus. The deep relationship established between God and us at baptism is a unique and beautiful reality! We truly become reborn, new creatures, children of God. We participate in his divine life, a life that will continue in eternity.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms of each
human being: “The dignity of the human person is
rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of
God... It is in Christ, Redeemer and Savior, that
the divine image, disfigured in man by the first sin, has
been restored to its original beauty and ennobled by the
grace of God” (Nos 1700-1701).
“He who believes in Christ becomes a son of God.
This filial adoption transforms him by giving him the
ability to follow the example of Christ” (No
1709)
“Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God”
(Rm 8: 14). The true divine filial relation comes
to us from Christ. “To all who did accept him,
he gave power to become children of God” (Jn 1: 12). |