I think, at the end of the day, it is important to say, that God has only one “people,” one church. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself delineated all people into two ultimate camps, in Jn. 8:42a & 44a, when He said this: ” . . . If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. . . . You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires,” (ESV).

At first blush, this question may seem easy to answer; but, in fact, it is a bit more complex than we might imagine–and the Holy Scriptures themselves provide the reason for this.

 We might conceive of a slight difference between the “people” of God, and the “children” of God–but, for our purposes, I will not pursue that distinction.

 It is my understanding, based in my perusal of the Sacred Text, that there are at least four distinct categories that cover this question, “Who are the people of God?” Without further ado, here they are. . . .

 First, what I am calling, the “Identified,” or “Covenantal” people of God.  These souls are properly-baptized Christian church members.  They are “signed” and “sealed” through the sacrament of baptism, into the covenant (church) of God.

 The second category I have in mind, is what I am calling, the “Prospective” people of God.  By these, I mean those individuals who are elect of the Holy Trinity from all eternity–but who have not yet been called, via regeneration, through the Holy Spirit’s sovereign application of the atonement of Christ.

 The third delineation I would like to make, are those that I am calling, the “Current,” or “Actual” people of God.  These are the souls on earth (and in heaven) who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit.  Not all of these people are yet signed and sealed in the visible church–but they are (in fact) members of the mystical body of Christ (the invisible church).  All truly-regenerated souls will be bound to Jesus Christ as soon as they hear a clear gospel message; and they will be led by the Spirit into the true church and all the good blessings of Christ.

 The fourth (and last) category I have in mind, is what I am referring to as the “Ancient,” or “Patriarchal” people of God. 

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