RECEIVED ... BELIEVED

7/30/2023

July 30-Start Your Day Right Devotion

(KJ) John 1:12 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:

RECEIVED ...BELIEVED

This verse reveals how saving faith (which allows us to receive forgiveness form God and enter a personal relationship with Him) is both an immediate act and an ongoing process.

To become a child of God, one must "receive" (Greek elabon, fom lambano) Christ. The aorist (past) tense here gives the meaning of a definite act of time.
Following the act of faith, there must be a continual act of believing. The word "believed" (Greek pisteuousin, from pisteuo) is a form of the verb describing ongoing action and suggests the need for perseverance in faith. This means putting faith into practice by continuing to trust and rely on God (John 5:24). In order for a believer to be saved in the end, true faith must continue after the initial act of accepting Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:12-13; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; Hebrews 7:25).

BELIEVED ... HE GAVE THE RIGHT

It is important to recognize that John never uses the noun "belief" (Greek pistis). Yet, he uses the verb "believe " (pisteuo) 98 times because saving faith in God is practical and active. "Believing" in the true Biblical sense is not just a mental exercise; it is an active faith that yields to leadership of one's life to Christ. True faith reveals that continuing trust through selfless action, obedience and service (James 2:14-26). Our own actions do not save us spiritually, but they are a result of true faith and salvation, showing our ongoing gratitude and trust in God (John 5:24). True faith grows and constantly brings a person into a deeper, more dependent relationship with Christ as Lord (the Leader and authority in one's life) and Savior (Hebrews 7:25).

THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD

A place in God's kingdom is not something we can earn. Only as we surrender our lives to God does He give us the right of being His children. Therefore, membership in God's family in by grace alone (as a result of God's underserved favor, merc, kindness and help; Ephesians 2:8-9). Spiritual salvation is a gift from God - not something we earn by our efforts (John 1 :13). Yet Christ's message must be "believed" and the gift must be "received" in order for a person to become an adopted child of God. To "believe in His [Jesus'] name" is to stand firmly on the work and character of Christ - recognizing all that Christ is, all He has done and all He is capable of doing. When a person receives Christ and turns over the control of his or her life to Jesus Christ in this way, the he or she is "born again" (John 3:7) and becomes a child of God (John 3:1-21). Only those people who make the decision to "believe" and "receive" are "children of God.

BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE

NIV Bible
KJV Reference Bible
Bible Gateway
Bible Hub
Blue Letter Bible

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