January 5
Bible Reading: John 1
John 1:12-13, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
The Philippian jailer asked a crucial question of the Apostle Paul when he cried out, “What must I do to be saved” (Acts 16:31)? The Apostle Paul’s answer aligns with what we find in our passage, though found here are also three “wrong ways” by which a person cannot be saved.
Contrary to the thinking of most, salvation is not the result of man’s own doings. As our text explains, a person cannot be made to be a child of God “of blood.” The Jews of Jesus’ day thought that their salvation to be assured because they were descendants of Abraham (Matthew 3:9). Just as some wrongly suppose they’ve been saved simply as a result of their Christian upbringing. Others think it is enough to be around Christians. But no one can inherit salvation and it cannot be transmitted via osmosis.
A person likewise cannot become a child of God by “the will of the flesh” (Ephesians 2:8-9). No amount of good works can work to wash away our sins or merit God’s favor. Deeds done in religious self-effort are like a “polluted garment” before God (Isaiah 64:6). Things like baptism, communion, going to church, reading the Bible, and doing good works are all important, but it is impossible for a person to become a child of God simply by doing them.
Thirdly, a person cannot become a child of God by the “will of man.” Man is not the arbiter of salvation, God is. False religions establish rules and assure followers of salvation if they do this or that. But God is the one who saves. It is a gift that He bestows by His grace to those who come to Him on His terms.
How then is a person saved? John 1:12 explains: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” God is the one who causes a person to become a child of God. To whom does He bestow that privilege? To those who receive Jesus, to those who believe in His name. The key word when it comes to salvation is the word “believe.” You’ll find the term used repeatedly in the gospel account. It represents the required response of anyone to the person of Jesus Christ. To “believe” in Jesus is to trust with one’s heart in Him and in His finished work on the cross (Romans 10:9). Have you placed your trust in Him? Have you received Him as Savior and Lord?
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ! He’s the ONE way!
ONLY TRUST HIM
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There’s mercy with the Lord;
And He will surely give you rest,
By trusting in His word.
Only trust Him, only trust Him,
Only trust Him now;
Refrain:
He will save you, He will save you,
He will save you now.
For Jesus shed His precious blood
Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washes white as snow.
Come to Jesus, come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus now; [Refrain]
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
And you are fully blest.
Don’t reject Him, don’t reject Him,
Don’t reject Him now; [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 