karlsruhe-846643_640In ancient Greek mythology, great ones or (heroes) were born into the world by gods who condescended to natural relations with humans. These half-gods would then serve on the earth as heroes of justice, up-holding morality in the world and punishing those who were workers of evil. They were adored as being half human and half god.

This week’s passage, John 1:12-13, reminded me that we are born of God and are His children, but our relationship to our King is not one that has been brought about by sinful and unholy endeavors. Our relationship to our God is a beautiful picture of the sin atoning sacrifice that bought us at a great price.

But to all who did receive HIM, who believed in HIS name, HE gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Unlike the gods of ancient Greek mythology, our God of heaven is utterly holy and pure. He did come to this world in the form of a man, but He went to the cross as the perfect obedient sacrifice for God’s wrath. This passage is an amazing truth for God’s people. If we believe in His coming and receive Him into our hearts, we become children of God. Why? Because He bought us with a price. His Son suffered death so that those who believe in Him might find freedom.

We are not born of some mythical god who condescends to natural relations, but we are born of God in that He paid the ultimate price for our ransom and adopted us into His family as sons and daughters. A more glorious truth is painted as we see that we are now part of a family that we could never have hoped to be a part of – God’s family.

I like the way Joe Eaton puts it in his blog –

The question must be raised, how does one begin such a relationship with God? There is only one way–the passage says: through God himself.

It is not of blood; that is, you aren’t God’s child simply because you come from a line of believers, or an upstanding family. You aren’t God’s child because you have a solid reputation. It’s not about your past, or your record, or who you know.

It is not of the will of the flesh. No one can simply decide to trust Christ, completely of their own volition. We are morally incapable by ourselves.

It is not of the will of man. The world, in itself, cannot produce people who trust Jesus. Everyone was born in sin, and in sin they will stay… unless a miracle happens.

[However] Our salvation is of God. That is, God initiated our salvation, God enabled our response, and God keeps us in him.

Praise God that He sent His Son into this world so that we might believe on Him and become children of God. This is a glorious truth! We, therefore, can be certain that God loves His children and that He will give them everything they need for life and godliness. He will spare no blessing, for they are His beloved.