IT’S GOOD TO BE BRETHREN  (part 2)   by  Andrew Roberts  

 

For several decades now we have heard much of individual rights. We have been treated to dissertations on the right of free speech (covering pornography), reproductive rights (covering abortion). and even discussions about one’s “right to sue”, i.e. litigation. There is much concern about rights defined by and overseen by men. A greater inalienable right, defined by and overseen by a greater force than man is being overlooked.

 

“He came to His  own, and those who were His own did /not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name... John 1:11-13

 

There is a “right” not listed in the Bill of Rights, that is offered to all today and very few seem interested in claiming it. Of course, I’m speaking about the right to become a child of God. Contrary to Calvinist claims about “irresistible grace,” the right to become one of God’s children is obviously offered with a choice.

 

Verse eleven reminds us that Jesus came to His own (i.e. the Jews) and they did not receive Him. In fact. they. as a nation, very pointedly rejected this humble servant. Verse twelve says the offer of grace continued to be made, however. As many as received Him (Gentiles and individual Jewish believers) were granted this truly inalienable right - the right to become a child of God. God is no respecter of persons, so how do I “receive” Christ and become God’s child’?

 

If we stopped here men would rush in to answer that question. Just receive Him into your heart. in prayer, or name Him as your Savior. The list goes on endlessly without any application of Biblical truth. The Holy Spirit speaks through John, however, in this passage and gives us God’s two part message on how to “receive” Christ.

 

First and foremost, the one who receives Jesus is the one who believes. This would not be the belief of tongue (that is just talk without conviction). It is not the dead faith such as demons possess who know the truth but refuse to submit. The faith John speaks of here is a living and active trust in God. It is based solidly upon the foundation of God’s word, not desire, traditions, or emotionalism. It is a belief which transforms the person, over time, into an image of Jesus in the present. It is shown in a heart of love first toward the Father of mercies and then toward one’s fellow man who God also desires to be saved.

 

Secondly, the Spirit describes the believer who is born of God. This regeneration or new birth is what allows us to reach out and lay hold of God’s grace. A submissive act at God’s command that demonstrates one’s faith as surely as Abraham’s faith was demonstrated when he bound Isaac and placed him on the altar.

                                                                           

In this way we receive Jesus Christ and all His blessings, i.e. by faith and obedient baptism. God then grants us the “right” to claim His inheritance as His child. The Bill of Rights is a great statement, as far as those rights go. But the right to be a child of God... wow, what a blessing. Don’t take it for granted.