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:… The result of receiving Him remains to be explained. How could they become "sons of God"? The word which has been used (ver. 12) excludes the idea of adoption, and asserts the natural relation of child to father. The nation claimed this through its descent from Abraham. But they are Abraham's children who are of Abraham's faith. There is a higher generation, which is spiritual, while they thought only of the lower, which is physical. The condition is the submissive receptivity of the human spirit. The origin of life is "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (H. W. Watkins, 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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