What Does It Mean to Receive Jesus? | John 1:11-14
He Came to His Own
John 1:11-14 reveals a profound truth about salvation: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God."
Jesus came to Israel—His chosen people—yet they rejected Him. This teaches us that being called "elect" doesn't guarantee receiving Christ. Even God's chosen nation turned away their Messiah.
Receiving a Person, Not a Religion
What does it mean to receive Christ? It's not about religious rituals, family heritage, or moral behavior. As the Scripture emphasizes, Jesus is a person to be received, not merely a doctrine to believe.
When witnessing, we often hear: "I was baptized," "I go to church," or "I live a good life." But the essential question remains: "Did you receive Him?"
The Power to Become God's Sons
When we receive Christ, God gives us "power to become the sons of God." This isn't a right, that we deserve. Rather, it's a divine enabling power that transforms us.
This new birth comes "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." No human effort produces this transformation—only God can birth us into His family.
The Word Made Flesh
John continues: "And the Word was made flesh...the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus isn't just another religious teacher but the eternal Son of God, embodying 100% grace and 100% truth.
Unlike us who become sons through adoption, Christ is the eternal "only begotten Son"—a distinction modern translations sometimes miss but which preserves the doctrine of Christ's deity.
Your Response Today
Have you truly received Jesus? Not church membership, not baptism, not moral living—but have you personally received Christ Himself?
If you have, God has given you the power to become His child. If not, His invitation still stands. The condition God established—receiving Christ—remains available to you today.
This blog post captures just a portion of the truth shared in the original sermon. Ready to go deeper?
Listen to the Full Message
Hearing the full message will help you understand the rich theological context and personal application of John 1:11-14.
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