Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

As Paul points out with this passage, there exists a period of time between regeneration and conversion, where all of God's adopted children live a life fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and the carnal mind. While in this condition we are chastened of God and subjects of His wrath.

• Hebrews 12:7-8 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Only the regenerate elect are referred to as children of God. If these be "by nature the children of wrath", they cannot be unregenerate bastards. Their nature is that of disobedience. Because of thier disobedience they are under the wrath of God and chastened. According to Hebrews 12:9, we are chastened so that we might live. And according to Hebrews 12:11, those who are exercised by the chastening of God, are those who have found life and yield the fruits of righteousness.