When the Word of God declares: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters …” (2 Corinthians 6:18), this promise comes with a condition: human beings must not touch what is unclean.
There are two critical dimensions to the status of being God’s children: de jure and de facto. De jure, humanity is adopted as children of God through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. But de facto, one does not automatically possess God’s nature. Therefore, a process of spiritual formation is required throughout life.
Hebrews 12:7 emphasizes: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children.” The Greek term huios refers to legitimate children, those who are taught and shaped by the Father. In contrast, those who reject God’s discipline are called nothos—illegitimate children. Thus, recognition as God’s children is not merely a legal status, but a lived process marked by separation from all that is unclean (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Salvation is entirely the grace of Christ. Yet this grace is not without responsibility. Grace places us as God’s children de jure, but responsibility demands a transformed and holy life. Romans 12:2 stresses that the renewal of the mind determines life’s direction—toward the world or toward heaven. The mind and emotions (tselem) must be shaped to reflect God’s likeness (demuth). A corrupted mind inclines humanity toward the world, while a renewed mind directs us toward conformity with Christ.
Living in holiness is a heavy demand, but it is indispensable for every child of God. Holiness is not just a doctrine—it must be manifested in practical living. The renewal of the mind is an absolute requirement to ensure God’s acknowledgment of us as His children. Therefore, spiritual discipline must be established: prayer, reading the Scriptures, and avoiding all things that draw us away from God. A clear roadmap of life must be built so that one may one day be worthy to sit among the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Profound life experiences often drive the process of spiritual formation. For example, in times of illness, when one spends more time praying, reflecting, and reading the Bible, the awareness of the need for spiritual restoration becomes more evident. This awareness can lead to a decision to abandon worldly attachments, allowing one to live fully for the pleasure of God.
Human life is very brief, while the world grows increasingly evil and our years advance. There is nothing in this world worth hoping for. Therefore, the grace of God must be answered with a holy life. To be God’s children is not only de jure, but also de facto—real in our thoughts, character, and daily actions.