The concept of being "children of Abraham" and "children of the devil" is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the broader narrative of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. These terms are used to distinguish between those who are true followers of God and those who are not, based on their faith and actions.

Children of Abraham

The term "children of Abraham" is primarily used to describe those who are considered true descendants of Abraham, not merely by physical lineage but by faith. In the Bible, Abraham is often referred to as the father of faith. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This foundational belief establishes Abraham as a model of faith for both Jews and Christians.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expands on this concept in his letters. In Romans 4:11-12, Paul explains that Abraham is the father of all who believe, whether circumcised or uncircumcised, emphasizing that faith, not ethnicity or adherence to the law, is what makes one a true child of Abraham. Galatians 3:7 states, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham."

Jesus Himself addresses this topic in John 8:39-40, where He challenges the Jewish leaders who claim Abraham as their father: "If you were children of Abraham," said Jesus, "you would do the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing." Here, Jesus underscores that being a child of Abraham is not about physical descent but about emulating Abraham's faith and actions.

Children of the Devil

In contrast, the term "children of the devil" is used to describe those who reject God's truth and follow the ways of evil. This concept is most explicitly stated by Jesus in John 8:44, where He confronts the Jewish leaders: "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies."

This stark language highlights the spiritual lineage that is determined by one's actions and beliefs rather than mere ancestry. The devil, as depicted in the Bible, is the embodiment of deceit and rebellion against God. Those who align themselves with falsehood and sin are thus metaphorically described as his children.

The Apostle John further elaborates on this theme in 1 John 3:10: "By this the children of God and the children of the devil are distinguished: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother." Here, John emphasizes that the defining characteristics of God's children are righteousness and love, contrasting with the unrighteousness and hatred associated with the devil's offspring.

In summary, the Bible uses the terms "children of Abraham" and "children of the devil" to draw a clear distinction between those who live by faith and righteousness and those who follow the path of sin and deception. These designations serve as a spiritual litmus test, urging believers to examine their faith and actions in light of God's truth.