January 25, 2023 – Wednesday
John 1:12-13 NIV
12 Yet to all who did receive him [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Comments
This is John introducing us to salvation through Jesus where we become children of God, born of God by believing in Jesus name. Earlier John introduced this idea when he wrote, 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe [in Christ, the Light]. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The bracketed [in Christ, the Light] comes from the Amplified Bible as well as The Living Bible. The man sent from God whose name was John, was John the Baptist.
In the first five verses of this chapter John identifies the Word being at the beginning, being with God, and being God. And it was through Him, the Word, that all things were created. And further in verses 4 and 5, In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John is letting us know the Word and the Light are one and the same.
Just before our verses for today we find out, 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. His own, those He had created, did not recognize nor receive Him, except for those who did as made clear in our verses for today, 12 Yet to all who did receive him [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Then John wants to bring clarity to whom he is writing about, so he tells us, 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Of course, John is describing Jesus. He is making the case that Jesus is God. Thus, it is through Him, belief in Him that salvation is possible.
In chapter three John is much more explicit about this stating, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. That was the NIV, but here I prefer the KJV, 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Then there is also the Classic Edition of the Amplified which reads, 15 In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever! I like that version as it expands on what it means to believe in Jesus, to cleave to Him, to trust Him, and to rely on Him. Remember even the demons knew Him and who He was, but they did not cleave to Him or rely upon Him, they hated Him and had rebelled against Him.
Bottom Line: Believe the gospel of Jesus, really believe, cleave to Him, trust Him, and reply upon Him, for your eternal salvation.
Prayer: Almighty God, Your love for us, by coming in the flesh to demonstrate that love is amazing enough. Then to have Your Son take on Your wrath so our sins could be forgiven if we would but believe is beyond our understanding except through Your love. Thank You. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek