How We Become Children of God
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How do you become a child of God?
Why a salvation message at the beginning of Crusader Kick Off?
1. My personal salvation testimony
2. You need to be able to how to clearly answer this question so you can share it with others
How do I get saved? What are some of the fuzzy answers that we have heard / used in the past?
Ask Jesus into you heart?
Pray the sinner’s prayer?
Where can we go in the Scripture to answer our question?
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 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:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Let’s start with the negative part of the answer to our question in v. 13- how you do not become a child of God.
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
You are not born as a child of God by means of blood? by means of the will of the flesh? or by means of the will of man? But of God! What does that mean? Spiritual birth!
So how do you become a child of God?
12 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:
Sons of God — better translated children of God. Teknon not huios.
What does the text say? How do you become a child of God? Receive Him (who is the him?), believe on his name.
What does it mean to receive Jesus? What does it mean to believe on his name?
Let me complicate this a little more.
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
What did the many of the Jewish people do at the Passover according to v. 23? Why?
What does it mean that Jesus did not commit himself unto them?
V. 23- many believed in his name πιστεύω, many people trusted in his name.
V. 24- But Jesus did not commit πιστεύω, same word used in v. 23- We could paraphrase it this way:
Many people trusted in his name, but Jesus did not entrust himself to them. In other words Jesus did not accept their belief!
Why? Because he knows all / men is supplied in the text. Lit. Because He knew all
V. 25- And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
12 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:
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
Yet, Jesus did not accept their belief. He did not entrust Himself to them. Why? Because he knew their hearts. He knew that their belief was not legitimate.
So what kind of belief does Jesus accept as legitimate?
Summarize story of Peter and Cornelius:
Peter’s Abbreviated Sermon (vv. 24-46)
Peter’s Abbreviated Sermon (vv. 24-46)
24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
What does it mean, “the Holy Spirit fell on them”? They got saved! Explain again visible expression of the baptism of the HS, and speaking in tongues. It was an irrefutable sign that Cornelius and his household got saved.
Who does the text say got saved? Who did the HS fall upon? ALL WHO HEARD THE WORD!
Notice also the beginning of the verse, “While Peter was still saying these things...”
Peter is in the middle of his sermon. He didn’t even get to finish. But what Peter said in his sermon was enough for the Holy Spirit to fall upon Cornelius and all who heard the word. What exactly did Peter say?
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
This is what we call the gospel: Death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the way God has provided for us His free gift of salvation.
What else did Peter say?
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
This was enough information! As soon as Peter explained the basics of the gospel to Cornelius and his household, as soon as he explained that a person gets saved by believing in Jesus Christ. And that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name, Cornelius and everyone who heard the word were saved. They received forgiveness for their sins, and were given the gift of eternal life.
In Peter’s sermon I think we find the two simultaneous aspects to becoming a child of God.
Being born again is something that happens in a moment in time. You go from not being a child of God to becoming a child of God. What makes the difference?
Two simultaneous aspects of salvation.
What is involved in being born again?
1). You must trust in Jesus Christ alone.
Specifically what must you put your trust in? What must be the object of your faith?
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
When it comes to saving faith—the object of your faith makes all the difference.
Illustration: When I was a kid I prayed the sinners prayer over and over again, because I was worried I didn’t do it right. I was worried I didn’t say the right words. I can’t tell you how many people have expressed the same doubts to be over the years. But, Cornelius did pray at all! Peter was still in the middle of his sermon and Cornelius and all those who heard the words of Peter, when they believed in them they were saved.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
There are no magic words that can save someone. Salvation comes through faith, through trust. And you must trust Jesus alone to save you, not your prayer.
Illustration: Timothy (6 years old) swimming and I am watching him from the dock. If he begins to sink and he cries out to me, “Daddy, save me!” What do you think I am going to do? Oh sorry son, you didn’t say the right words, or I don’t think you really meant it. NO WAY! What am I going to do? Jump in the water and save him. Who is the object of my son’s trust? Who is he crying out to to save him? His dad. He is not depending upon his own ability to swim, his voice, his words, or anything else. He is putting his trust in me and me alone. And as soon as he cries out I am going to respond and save my son.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
When you make Jesus the object of your faith. When you call upon his name alone for your salvation, when you trust in the death of Jesus on the cross, his burial, and his resurrection alone to save you from your sins. At that moment you are born again!
So what are you trusting? Are you trusting in Jesus Christ alone for you salvation?
Two simultaneous aspects of salvation.
What is involved in being born again?
1). You must trust in Jesus Christ alone.
2). You must repent of your sins.
Two simultaneous aspects of salvation- two sides of the same coin. He can’t have one without the other. Genuine faith includes genuine repentance and genuine repentance includes genuine faith.
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Peter uses the words believe and repent interchangeably. Not because they mean the same thing, but because they are inextricably linked together.
What does it mean to repent of your sins?
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Illustration: Personal testimony
How do you become a child of God?
12 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:
Received him- received Jesus as who is really is- Son of God, Lord, turned from their wickedness and turn to follow Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.
Believed on his name- those who place their trust in Jesus Christ alone- in his death on the cross for their sins, his burial, and his resurrection.
Application:
1). Do you need to become a child of God today? Have you truly received Jesus, have you believed on his name?
2). Do you know the gospel well enough that you could tell a friend how to become a child of God? Can you give the gospel with clarity and conviction?