From Strangers to Sons: The Power of Receiving Christ - John 1:12 (NLT)
Introduction: Identity in an Age of Confusion
We live in an age obsessed with identity.
People define themselves by career, politics, sexuality, social media approval, or personal success. Yet for all our progress, anxiety is rising, loneliness is deepening, and many are still asking the ancient question: “Who am I really?”
Into this confusion, Scripture speaks with divine clarity. John 1:12 tells us that identity is not something we discover by looking within—but something we receive by coming to Christ.
This verse is not merely comforting theology.
It is Gospel truth, discipleship foundation, and eternal reality.
John 1:12 (NLT): “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
One verse.
One sentence.
Yet it contains the miracle of salvation, the heart of the Gospel, and the foundation of Christian discipleship.
I. Salvation Begins with Receiving Christ
John writes his Gospel with one clear purpose:
John 20:31 (NLT): “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”
John 1 opens with cosmic grandeur—Jesus as the eternal Logos (Word), fully God, Creator of all things. But verse 12 brings that glory down to a deeply personal level.
The phrase “believed him and accepted him” comes from two Greek words:
Pisteuo – to trust, rely upon, commit oneself fully
Lambano – to receive, welcome, take hold of
This is not casual belief.
This is whole-life surrender.
Christianity is not inherited, assumed, or absorbed by culture. It is received—personally and intentionally.
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Faith is not vague spirituality—it is trust in a crucified and risen Lord.
Tim Keller: “To say ‘Jesus is Saviour’ but not ‘Lord’ is to say nothing at all.”
This cuts through modern half-hearted faith. We don’t add Jesus to our lives—we bow to Him. Saving faith is not agreement with facts; it is surrender to a King.
Have you received Christ, or merely admired Him?
Have you trusted Him with your sin, your future, your identity?
II. Salvation Grants a New Identity: Children of God
John says believers are given “the right” to become children of God.
The Greek word is exousia—legal authority, granted status, legitimate standing.
This is not emotional language.
This is adoption language.
You are not a tolerated outsider.
You are not a spiritual guest.
You are legally and eternally brought into God’s family.
Romans 8:15–16 (NLT): “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’”
In Roman culture, adoption granted full inheritance rights. God does not half-save anyone.
Tekna (children) – born into a family, sharing identity and nature
This is not earned status—it is new birth.
The Adoption Finalisation
Imagine a child in foster care, waiting year after year, wondering if they’ll ever belong. Then the judge strikes the gavel and says, “This child is now legally yours.”
That is John 1:12.
Max Lucado: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way.”
Adoption is not indulgence—it is transformation. God brings us in to change us, not to leave us broken.
Stop living like an orphan when you are a son or daughter.
Pray with confidence.
Obey from love, not fear.
III. This New Birth Is God’s Work, Not Ours
John 1:13 (NLT): “They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”
Salvation is not:
Family heritage
Religious effort
Moral improvement
It is regeneration—God giving new life.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NLT): “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
This guards us from pride and despair:
Pride—because we didn’t earn salvation
Despair—because God does the saving
John Piper: “The new birth is not the improvement of human nature but the creation of new life.”
Discipleship flows from new life. We don’t obey to become children—we obey because we are children.
IV. The Gospel That Makes Us God’s Children
Let us be crystal clear.
The Gospel Explained
Christ’s Death:
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Christ’s Burial:
He truly died—our sin fully paid.
Christ’s Resurrection:
1 Corinthians 15:4 (NLT): “He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”
This is not symbolic hope.
This is historical salvation.
The Signed Cheque
A cheque can be written for millions—but it must be endorsed and received. Christ has paid in full. The question is not “Is salvation available?”
The question is: Have you received it?
V. Call to Action: Live as God’s Children
For Believers
Live from identity, not insecurity
Obey as sons and daughters, not slaves
Represent your Father well in a watching world
1 John 3:1 (NLT): “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”
Charles Stanley: “Obedience is the visible expression of our trust in God.”
Discipleship is not perfection—it is direction. Children grow by staying close to the Father.
Invitation to Salvation
If you have never received Christ—today is your moment.
Not religion.
Not reform.
Receiving Jesus.
Repent of sin.
Trust in His finished work.
Receive the right to become a child of God.
You don’t clean yourself up to come home.
You come home—and He cleans you.
Conclusion & Benediction:
Church, you are not defined by your past, your failures, or the labels of this world.
If you are in Christ, you are a child of God.
Benediction:
May you walk in the confidence of your adoption,
the obedience of a grateful heart,
and the joy of belonging to the Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
