I was recently asked about the difference between "sons of men", "sons of God" and "children of God". I had never thought about this and decided to look into it.

First, "sons of men", by the context of the scripture where it is found, always refers to mankind in general. It is interesting that this phrase occurs throughout the Old Testament and six times in the New Testament. Some consider "six" to be the number of mankind. Man was created on the sixth day.

"Sons of God" occurs in both the Old Testament and the New Testament and always refers to spiritual beings. The first usage of this phrase occurs in Genesis 6:2 "the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose." This tells of spiritual beings, demons, or fallen angels, desiring human women. Two verses later we find the children of these unholy unions being known as the "heroes of old". Some think these children are the basis for the mythical gods. It is also thought that the reason for the destruction of mankind, except Noah, was because of these "hybrid" children. In the King James Version we find that Noah was perfect in all his generations. Does this mean that his genetic ancestry was pure human, and Noah was, therefore, spared destruction?

As Christians we are "sons of God". We are spiritual beings. "This world is not my home. I am just passing through" as the song says. We Christians are also "children of God". This phrase occurs only in the New Testament and it always refers to Christians.

There is one time when the phrase "children of God" appears that it refers to the Jews. In fact it was intended that way by Caiaphas, the high priest in the time of Jesus, but the Lord intended differently. John 11:52 tells how Caiaphas made the prophecy that Jesus would die for the scattered children of God. Caiaphas was referring to the Jews, but the Lord intended it for all who accept His atoning sacrifice, Jew and Gentile. Just as the Lord put words in the mouth of Balaam (see Numbers 22 and 23) the Lord put words in the mouth of Caiaphas. And the prophecy came true! Jesus died for the children of God. All who follow Him, who are "born again", are Children of God. Praise His Name!

Of course, even better than the death of Jesus is the fact that the Lord resurrected Him as the firstfruits of death (I Corinthians 15:20). Because of this we have that same wonderful hope of resurrection. How thankful I am. How thankful I am to be a Child of God.