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. THE HONOUR. To become sons of God not merely by adoption, but by generation (Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:1). On our side is sonship, on God's Fatherhood. Sonship is — 1. Higher; 2. Nearer; 3. More blessed; 4. More glorious than — creaturehood. There is sonship in the angels, in unfallen man; but this is beyond these. As — (1) Introducing us into a more intimate intercourse; (2) Making us partakers of the Divine nature. II. THE GIVER OF IT. Christ Himself; elsewhere it is the Father. All gifts are in Christ's hands — living water and bread of life, Himself, sonship. This right or power of sonship He purchased for us; for those who had no right, or power, or title. III. THE WAY OF ATTAINMENT. 1. Receiving Him — doing the reverse of what Israel had done; accepting and owning Him for all that God announced Him to be. 2. Believing on His name, i.e, Himself. IV. THE PERSONAL CHANGE THROUGH WHICH THIS IS REACHED. "Born:" 1. Not of natural descent. 2. Not by natural generation. 3. Not by human adoption. 4. But of God (James 1:18). (H. Bonar, D. D.) 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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