John 1:12-13 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— Who owe their birth neither to bloods nor to the will of the flesh [that of physical impulse] nor to the will of man [that of a natural father], but to God. [They are born of God!]
Through faith in Jesus Christ we become children of God. Understanding this truth is essential in walking daily in His love and His peace. Many today follow all different types of religions. But every false, man-made religion in the world has one thing in common: man must do something to earn his way to whatever god he is serving. It is fully dependent upon man.
But this is where Christianity is different. The true and Living God has reached down to man. God has paid the ultimate price to restore the relationship He had with man that was destroyed in the garden of Eden. In Eden God created Adam and Eve. He told them they could eat from any tree except for the tree of knowledge of good and evil. For love to truly exist between God and man, God had to give man a choice to choose obedience or rebellion.
But Adam and Eve choose rebellion. They were deceived and God knew this would happen. That is why before God created anything the plan of salvation was established. It was the plan from the beginning that God’s one and only Son would come to this earth, would be born fully man, He would humble Himself, become a servant, and take the wrath and punishment we deserve. Because of His sinless life, His blood was sinless. It is only His blood that is sufficient to pay the debt we owe. God has made it clear in His word that without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sins (Lev 17:11, Heb 9:22).
It says that God gave the authority to become children of God. When a person comes to Christ they are chosen by Almighty God. Jesus made it clear that no one could come to Him unless the Father draws Him (John 6:44). Our salvation we have is by faith alone. It is a gift from Almighty God. God in His mercy has made a way that we can be forgiven. He has made a way that we can have a brand new life. But it is all dependent on what we do with Jesus.
If we reject Jesus Christ and the precious salvation He has purchased and provided we have no one else to blame but ourselves. People will often ask the question: if God is so loving how could He send anyone to hell. But the truth is that God’s desire is that none would perish but all come to everlasting life (2 Peter 3:9). He so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whoever would believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
In the end a person who ends up in hell has chosen to reject God and His ways. God stands with open arms and knocks on the hearts of many. But Jesus said broad is the road that leads to destruction and many will walk on it, but narrow is the road that leads to life and few will find it (Matt 7:13-14). The bottom line is to become a child of God we must come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Many in this age will say we are all children of God but according to the word of God that is a lie. We are not all children of God. We don’t become a child of God until we come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, today I come to you and thank you for the precious salvation we have through Jesus. Father, we don’t deserve your grace, love, and mercy. But you lavish it upon us. Help us to pursue you with all our heart. Help us to surrender anything that would hinder what you desire to do in our lives. Father today help us to fully understand what it means to be your child. May our lives simply bring glory and honor to you. Forgive us in every place that we have fallen short. May we grow to maturity each day. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
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