John 1:12-14 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:… I. FAITH MAKES THE GRANDEST OF DISTINCTIONS AMONG MEN. "He came to His own, and His own received Him not" — that is one company; "but as many as received Him" — that is another. 1. There are many distinctions among men — rich and poor, governors and governed, teachers and taught. But these will pass away. The grand distinction, which will out-last all time, is that of faith or the want of faith. 2. This distinguishing faith is — (1) A receptive faith; one which accepts Christ by confiding, trusting, and depending on Him. (2) Faith in His name, as — (a) The Word: receiving His messages from the Father. (b) The Life: receiving His vitality in spirit. (c) The Light: seeing all things in the light of Christ.. 3. This distinction is one which obliterates all others. If a chimney-sweep receives Christ, he is a child of God; so is an emperor — but not the one more than the other. II. FAITH OBTAINS THE GRANDEST OF ALL ENDOWMENTS. "Sons of God." 1. There is a distinction here between son and servant. The believer ceases to be a slave, and becomes a child; and yet he becomes a servant. Christ was first His Father's Son, and then His servant; so we, being sons, have the joy of serving our Father. 2. We are also sons by likeness — miniatures, and sometimes caricatures, yet resemblances. 3. We are sons, in having the privilege of free access to our Father. III. FAITH IS THE EVIDENCE OF THE GRANDEST EXPERIENCE. Every believer is a regenerate man. It is of no use to attempt to mend the old nature. A man brought his gun to be repaired. The gunsmith told him it wanted a new stock, lock, and barrel. That looked like making a new one. You must begin de novo. Baptism cannot regenerate; nor blood, the natural way of birth; nor man's carnal will, nor his best will; but God, who, as the Creator, newcreates the soul. IV. FAITH RAISES THE BELIEVER TO THE NOBLEST CONCEIVABLE CONDITION. He is fitted to be a child of God. 1. Notice the inconceivable honour. All others pale before it. 2. The safety. 3. The happiness. 4. The duties. There is an old French proverb which says, "nobility obliges." There is an obligation on nobles. If you are a son of God, you must act like one. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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