Are You in God’s Family?

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

According to this verse, a child of God is someone who has received Jesus Christ and believes in His name. What does it mean to ‘receive Him’ and to ‘believe in His name’? Is saying the words, “Jesus, please come into my life.” the same as receiving Him? Many, many people profess to believe in God and continue to live as though there is no God…going their own way.

Note the context in John 1:

(The Word became flesh, full of grace and truth. vs.14  Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. vs. 17 Therefore The Word is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is God. vs.1)

All things were made through Jesus Christ. vs. 3

If He made it, He owns it. Therefore Jesus Christ rightfully owns everything.

He came to those (mankind/people) He owned, they did not receive Him (for who He is, owner). vs.11

But to all who did receive Him (as owner), who believed in His name (Creator, Lord), He gave the right to become children of God.

Believe (biblically) is not mere intellectual assent, it’s an action word that has an initial beginning and is ongoing. I like to explain it as these 3 ongoing actions:

• Repent – turning away from going my own way, to Jesus.
• Receive – Christ for Who He is, Lord/Owner.
• Relinquish – being willing to let Jesus Christ control (surrender).

The family of God are those who believe Jesus Christ is God, Creator, Owner, Lord and relate to Him on that basis.