"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE"
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
The apostle John is giving us a brief, but very comprehensive understanding of what God has done in the lives of those who have responded to His love and grace in Jesus Christ. Let's look at these blessings in detail.
1. "But as many"John 1:12a But as many as received Him. Please notice, that we are told that "as many" this would include each and every person who has come to faith. It includes you if you have come to faith. You are one of the many.
2. "But as many as received Him." John 12:12b. This is another way of saying "repent and believe in Jesus Christ"
The word received, means, to take, to have, to catch. To take to oneself. To receive what is offered. So, received means, to have believed in, and to have accepted Jesus Christ.
3. "To them He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12c For each and every person who has believed in, and accepted Jesus Christ, God has then given them the right, or He has entrusted You to become one of His own children. You are now a child of God. Just as much as any other believer in Jesus Christ.
4. "Who were born etc" John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This means that you have been reborn, or born again, born anew, born afresh, spiritually reborn. And, please notice that this new birth you have has nothing to do with what any human being has done, but rather, your rebirth comes directly from God. How wonderful. All praise and honor belongs to and goes to God Himself for what He has given to those who believe.
5. In summary. God has sent His Son to save those who would believe in Him. And, for those who have believed in Him, God has made them His children. They are born again, and this new birth not a physical birth caused by man, but rather, it's a spiritual rebirth caused by God alone.
A prayer:
Father, and indeed how appropriate to call You Father. For You have made us who have believed Your children.
We are now in Your family. And, You have made us heirs of God. Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This life here, this physical temporary life, is just that, temporary. But, You have united us with Yourself, and we will dwell with You forever, and forever. What a glorious future we have as Your children. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace towards us Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
