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That Power is Given us to Become the Sons of God,
January 6
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.
John 1:12
.
Divine sonship is not something that we gain of ourselves. Only to
those who receive Christ as their Saviour is given the power to become
sons and daughters of God. The sinner cannot, by any power of his own,
rid himself of sin. For the accomplishment of this result, he must look to a
higher Power. John exclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh
away the sin of the world.” Christ alone has power to cleanse the heart. He
who is seeking for forgiveness and acceptance can say only,—
“Nothing in my hand I bring;
Simply to Thy cross I cling.” But the promise of sonship is made to
all
who “believe on his name.” Every one who comes to Jesus in faith will
receive pardon
The religion of Christ transforms the heart. It makes the worldly-
minded man heavenly-minded. Under its influence the selfish man be-
comes unselfish, because this is the character of Christ. The dishonest,
scheming man becomes upright, so that it is second nature to him to do to
others as he would have others do to him. The profligate is changed from
impurity to purity. He forms correct habits; for the gospel of Christ has
become to him a savor of life unto life
God was to be manifest in Christ, “reconciling the world unto himself.”
Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in
himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and
goodness. But Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation
of the law, could impart divine power, to unite with human effort. Thus by
repentance toward God and faith in Christ, the fallen children of Adam
might once more become “sons of God.
When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the life of
Christ
[13]
19
The Review and Herald, September 3, 1903
.
20
The Southern Work, February 7, 1905
.
21
Patriarchs and Prophets, 64
.
22
Christ’s Object Lessons, 314
.
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