Yes, the Bible does teach there is a difference between being a friend of God or a son of God. This distinction can be found in both the Old and New Testaments. Isaiah 41:8 (NIV), “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend…” James 2:23 (ESV), “… ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’–and he was called a friend of God.”
In the Old Testament, the closest relationship God had with a man or woman was as a friend of God. Even Moses was called a friend. Exodus 33:11, “So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…”
In the Gospels, Jesus spoke to His followers as friends, but not as sons of God. John 15:15 (NKJV), “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” In summary, some benefits of friendship with God are receiving a clearer understanding of God’s will, being led by God, being used by God to do His will.
However, after Jesus died for our sins, people could be forgiven and thereby justified (made right) from God’s perspective. Jesus opened a new and living way. Hebrews 10:19-20 (ESV), “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh”.
This narrow way (Matthew 7:14) is the call to follow only God’s will. When God accepts this consecration, the believer is begotten by the Holy Spirit as a new creature. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was first given to believers and it was then that they became sons of God as new creatures.
What are the benefits of being a son of God?
Presently, true Christians have peace, hope, joy, answered prayers, and guidance. They have the great privilege of communion with the supreme Creator as their personal father. If faithful, these sons of God will be part of the little flock, the true Church of God, the Bride of Christ. Revelation 17:14 (NKJV), “those who are with Him (Jesus) are called, chosen, and faithful.” (See also Revelation 2:10.) They will be resurrected with the divine nature. (2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 3:2)
What will happen to God’s friends of old and to the majority of mankind? Jesus died for all mankind and God loves everyone. In the resurrection, most people will learn to love righteousness and will conscrate their all to God. They will become perfect human sons (as was Adam, Luke 3:38). God’s plan has always been to bless everyone during Christ’s reign on Earth. Genesis 12:3 (KJV), “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”