What Does It Mean to Receive Jesus and Become Sons of God? John 1 Explained

"He Came Unto His Own"

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to become a child of God? Perhaps you've heard phrases like "receiving Christ" or "believing in His name" without fully understanding their significance.

John 1:11-14 contains one of the most powerful passages about salvation in Scripture: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

This passage reveals a profound truth that many miss—a truth that could transform your understanding of salvation and your relationship with Christ.

The Rejection of the Light

The first reality we must confront is rejection. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh, came to His chosen people—the nation of Israel. These were the ones God had called "mine elect" (Isaiah 45:4), yet when their Messiah arrived, they refused Him.

This historical rejection teaches us something crucial about salvation: being called "elect" or chosen doesn't automatically mean one will receive Christ. The nation of Israel, though specially selected by God and given more spiritual light than any Gentile nation, still rejected their Savior.

What a heartbreaking reality! The Creator came to His creation, the King to His kingdom, yet was turned away. As the sermon points out, "What a sad day."

The Power to Become Sons of God

But the story doesn't end with rejection. Verse 12 presents the glorious alternative: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

Notice the divine condition God established: receiving Christ. This isn't about religious rituals, family heritage, or moral behavior. It's about receiving a Person—Jesus Christ Himself.

The sermon emphasizes this personal aspect of salvation repeatedly: "Jesus Christ is not a wafer... not a sacrament... not a set of doctrines. Jesus Christ is a person, and lost people must receive a person."

When we receive Christ, something miraculous happens—God gives us "power to become the sons of God." The sermon highlights that this word "power" is significant. It's not a "right" as some modern translations suggest, but divine enabling power. None of us has the right to be called God's children; it's a privilege granted through His regenerating power.

The New Birth: Not of Blood, Flesh, or Man's Will

Verse 13 further explains this transformation: "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

This spiritual rebirth comes not through:

• Blood lineage ("not of blood")

• Human effort ("nor of the will of the flesh")

• Another person's decision ("nor of the will of man")

It comes entirely from God. When we receive Christ, God births us into His family. We become joint heirs with Christ, with full inheritance rights as sons of God.

The Word Made Flesh: Full of Grace and Truth

The passage culminates with verse 14: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Jesus Christ is the "only begotten Son"—eternally begotten of the Father. Unlike us who become sons through adoption, Christ is the eternal Son by nature. He embodies the "fullness of the Godhead bodily" and is "100% grace and 100% truth."

What Does This Mean for You?

The question remains: Have you received Him? Not church attendance, not baptism, not confirmation, not moral living—but have you personally received Jesus Christ?

If you have, then God has given you the power to become His child. You've been born into His family, not through any human means, but by the supernatural work of God.

If you haven't, the invitation still stands. "But as many as received him..." The condition God established is still in effect today. You can receive Christ, believe on His name, and become a child of God.

Conclusion

John 1:11-14 gives us the beautiful paradox of salvation—it's entirely of God, yet conditioned upon our reception of Christ. We don't save ourselves, but we must receive the One who does.

The apostles didn't simply preach "get saved"—they preached Jesus Christ. They pointed people to a Person who is full of grace and truth. When we trust and receive Him, regeneration follows. We become sons of God, with all the privileges that entails.

Will you receive Him today?

This blog post captures just a portion of the profound insights shared in the original sermon. Ready to go deeper?

Listen to the Full Message

Click here to listen to the complete sermon "What Does It Mean to Receive Jesus and Become Sons of God"

Hearing the full message will help you understand the rich theological context and personal application of John 1:11-14. Pastor Fortunato's passionate delivery and additional scriptural connections bring these truths to life in ways that will transform your understanding of salvation.

#BibleStudy #JohnGospel #Salvation #ChristianFaith #SonsOfGod