Devotion 8/2, Child of God!
To all who received [the Word, that is Jesus Christ], to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13
Such a clear gospel message in our verses today! Jesus Christ offers Himself to all who believe in His name, and those who do so, He has given the right or authority to become His own blood-bought children. We are not saved by good works, church attendance, doing our best, or giving money to the church, while these are godly and obedient things to do, they do not have the power to bring about the salvation of our soul. That is done by faith in Christ and His blood shed for us on the cross at Calvary. That makes atonement to God for our sins.
It is the only payment He will accept.
Romans 8:17 tells us that we are joint-heirs with Christ before God. What a glorious position we are in before our holy and righteous God because of the work of Christ!
To become a child in a physical sense one must be born. So it is with becoming a child of God, there must be a second birth, one must be “born again”. Verse 13 tells us first how this does not happen, it does not happen by natural descent or blood; in other words just because you have christian parents, this does not mean you are automatically saved. Salvation is not passed down through the blood lines.
Next it tells us that it is not by human decision or will of the flesh; a person does not have the power in our own flesh to become born again in Christ, although one must be willing to place their faith in Christ, it is the work of the Holy Spirit that does the saving.
Lastly we are told it is not of the husband’s will or the will of man; no other person can save us, not a pastor, teacher, earthy parents…etc. No matter how much they may want us to be saved, they have no power to save our souls.
The answer to our salvation is in the last three words of our passage…. “but of God”!
Father, thank you for including me in your family. May my life today reflect your influence, character, mercy, holiness, compassion, righteousness, and love. I want to be like you, my Father. So just as I was born into your family by the power of the Holy Spirit, please fill me with your Spirit today so that I will reflect you in all I do and say this day. I want to be a child that reflects my Father’s nature. In the name Jesus, I pray. Amen.
I pray the Holy Spirit is dwelling in each of you. We are no longer bound by satan but set free as children of God. “Celebrate” your faith today by lifting those up in prayer that are hurting, need healing or are lost and need Christ in their heart. Celebrate being a child of God, that all will know you are His by what you say and do.
Lord stir my soul with your Spirit that I may live to glorify you today. Amen
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