When we enter into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus, not only do we become a new creation, but we also become the children of God.
John 1:12-13 “But to all who have received him-those who believe in his name-he has given the right to become God’s children-children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.”
God adopts us into His family as His dearly beloved children (Ephesians 1:5).
When we accept Christ as our Savior we become children of the one true God, the King of Kings and Lord of lords. We become royalty (1Peter 2:9) and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
Let’s break down the passage in John in order to grasp the greater meaning of this privilege we have to be called children of God.
- ‘receive’=to claim for one’s self; to make one’s own
We must claim Jesus as our own personal Lord and Savior. It is not enough for us to claim Him as Lord of all. Our relationship with God is a personal relationship. Our faith must be our own. We cannot live off of the faith of others.
Have you made your relationship with God personal? Do you claim Jesus as Lord over your life?
-believe=to think to be true; to place confidence in.
We cannot just hear the word of God we must believe the Word of God and place our confidence in Him and His Truth. Our belief must lead to a life of faith. Faith is what allows us to have a relationship with God (Ephesians 2:8).
-‘name’=the name is used for everything which the name covers
So we must place our confidence also in the truth of God’s name(s) and all that His name(s) encompass.
-El Shaddai=The all-Sufficient One
-El Elyon=The God Most High
-El Olam=The Everlasting God
-Adonai=Lord,Master
-Jehovah-nissi=The Lord My Banner
-Jehovah-jireh=The Lord will provide
-Yahweh=LORD (Jehovah)
-Elohim=The Creator
-Jehovah-raah=The Lord My Shepherd
-Qanna=Jealous
-Jehovah-rapha=The Lord who Heals
-Jehovah-shalom-the Lord is Peace
-Jhovah-Shammah=The Lord is there
-El Roi=The God who sees
-Jehovah-sabaoth=The Lord of Hosts
-Jehovah-tsidkenu=The Lord our righteousness
-Jehovah-mekoddishkem=The Lord who sanctifies you
Do you believe in the name of God? Do you have faith that He is who He says He is?
-‘become’=begin to be
We ‘begin to be’ children of God when we choose that status for ourselves. This status is not one that is placed upon us or forced upon us, we must choose it. We must choose Jesus in order to become the children of God.
-‘right’=power of choice; power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)
When we become children of God we are given the right and responsibility to become someone of influence and of privilege. The greatest influence we can have on others is to be the best representative of Jesus Christ that we can be. As His children, when people see us they should see the qualities of God. What a privilege we have to be used by God in such a way that others would come to know Him through us.
When we accept Christ as our Lord we are reborn spiritually.
This new birth changes us from the inside out because at the time of our spiritual rebirth, God the Holy Spirit dwells within us. We become the temple of God (1Corinthians 3:16). His Holy Spirit gives us the power to be completely transformed. Yes, our transformation is a work in progress, but with Him we can be transformed. What good news!
Have you said yes to God? Have you made your relationship with Him personal by surrendering your life to Jesus? Are you a child of the one true God? Have you been reborn spiritually?
Thank you Father that I can call You Father. Thank you for allowing me to be part of Your family. Thank you for the privilege I have to be an influence in other people’s lives. Lord, may I always remember that with great privilege comes great responsibility.