John 1:12

John 1:12 - Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.

“Yet to all who received Him.” John is writing this to everyone. There is no limitations or requirements, just faith. This is an amazing concept and we need to grasp the magnitude of what he is telling us here. “To all who received Him. To those who believed in His name.” He doesn’t cut anyone out. Everyone has the same opportunity to believe. And then comes the truly amazing part, “He gave the right to become children of God.”

As believers we have a right that has been given to us. A right to be a child of God. Sometimes it can be hard to comprehend how we can be a child of God. He is the Almighty, Most Holy, Creator of all things and we are his children. Us, mere men and women have the right to call ourselves children of God. In some circles that may be called blasphemy, but that’s what the Word says, and who am I to argue with the Word.

We need to understand what this means for us and who we are in Gods eyes. Once you believe in Christ you are brought into the kingdom of God, and God sees you as His child. And this Father/son relationship comes with all the benefits any child could expect from his father. In the Word it tells us that we are co-heirs with Christ. A co-heir means we get the same inheritance. So all that Jesus was given is also given to us.

If you are a parent think about your relationship with your children. What is it you want for them? Do you want them to face trouble and hardship? No, there will already be enough of that. Is it your desire to see them struggle through life? Absolutely not!! You want the best for them. It is your desire to see them excel in life and make the right choices and you will do what you can to help them. It is no different with God. Jesus put it this way,  “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11) 

God Loves you and wants to help you and strengthen you, but He won’t force it on you. Just as you can’t force your kids to take your advice or do what is best for them, God won’t force you either. He wants you to choose Him; to come to Him for help; then He will open His arms to embrace you. Open up your heart and mind to Jesus and believe in Him and take your place in the kingdom as a child of God.