What does "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh" mean? Opening Scripture “But to all who did receive Him, to those 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.” (John 1:12-13) Key Phrase in Focus • “Not of blood” • “Nor of the will of the flesh” Meaning of “Not of blood” • Refers to natural lineage and hereditary descent. • Becoming a child of God is not passed down through family lines as physical traits are. • Echoes Paul’s reminder: “They are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6-8). • Salvation is never inherited; it is granted individually through faith in Christ. Meaning of “Nor of the will of the flesh” • Points to human effort, desire, or moral striving. • “Flesh” in Scripture often signals fallen human nature (Galatians 5:19-21). • No amount of self-discipline, religious activity, or personal resolve can produce the new birth. • Highlights the contrast between human dependence on works and God’s gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Supernatural Nature of the New Birth • The verse finishes with “but of God,” underscoring that regeneration is entirely God’s doing. • Jesus amplifies this truth: “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6-7). • The new birth is a divine act, initiated and completed by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6). How This Truth Impacts Us Today • Removes boasting: no pedigree or personal merit contributes to salvation (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). • Invites genuine faith: each person must personally receive Christ (John 1:12). • Offers assurance: if the work is God’s, it is secure (Philippians 1:6). • Fuels humility and gratitude: we live as grateful recipients, not self-made believers (Colossians 2:6-7). |
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