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]
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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