John 1:12-14 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:… I. BELIEVING IS A RECEIVING OF CHRIST. 1. Under what notion should we receive Christ? As our Mediator. (Isaiah 61:3-4). (1) Our Prophet, receiving His doctrine as delivered by Himself (Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 2:2, 3); by His prophets and apostles (Hebrews 1:1; Matthew 10:40); by His ministers (2 Corinthians 5:19, 20; Hebrews 4:11, 12). (2) Our Priest (Hebrews 7:23-26); and so we must believe — (a) His satisfaction for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 2:2), to the justice and law of God (Galatians 3:13); (b) His intercession for our souls (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 9:11, 12, 24). (3) Our King (Psalm 110:1, 9): so we must — (a) acknowledge His sovereignty (Matthew 28:18); (b) obey His laws (Luke 6:46; John 14:15); (c) submit to His penalties (Colossians 3:24, 25). 2. How should we receive Him? (1) Penitently (Acts 2:36). (2) Willingly (Psalm 110:3). (3) Affectionately (Luke 14:26). (4) Constantly (Revelation 2:26). (5) Only (Acts 4:12). II. BELIEVERS ARE THE SONS OF GOD. 1. In what sense? Not by generation, but regeneration (John 3:31). (1) Man lost the favour of God (Romans 5:19). (2) The Son undertakes his redemption — (a) by becoming man; (b) by dying, whereby He purchases all believers to Himself, to be members of His body (1 Corinthians 6:20; Titus 2:14); (c) and so from Himself the dead conveys His own spirit unto them (Titus 3:5, 6). (3) The Spirit regenerates and makes them new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). (4) Being new creatures, they are received into the favour of God (Romans 8:15), and made His sons (Romans 8:14). 2. With what privileges? (1) Privative. They are freed from the slavery of sin (Romans 6:14); from., slavish fears (Romans 8:15); from the curse of the law (Galatians In. 13). (2) Positive. (a) They have access to God (Galatians 4:6). (b) They are interested in God's providence (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 6:18). (c) They rejoice in God (Philippians 4:4). (d) God rejoices over them (Zephaniah 3:17). (e) Their glorious inheritance is assured (Colossians 1:12, 18). (f) This inheritance is witnessed to them here (Romans 8:16, 17), and sealed (Ephesians 4:30), whereof they now have the pledge (Ephesians 1:13, 14). 3. How known? (1) By prayer (Galatians 4:6). (2) Obedience (1 Peter 1:14, 15). (3) Parity (2 John 3:9). (4) Conformity to the Divine image (Romans 8:29). (5) Faith (Song of Solomon 3:26).USES. 1. See the honour of believers. 2. Live like the sons of God. (1) By despising the world. (2) By patiently enduring all chastisements (Hebrews 12:6-9. (3) By longing to come to your inheritance in heaven (Psalm 42:1, 2). (Bishop Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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