John 1:12. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
On the day humanity turned its back on the Father, we lost the most precious gift of all: the status and authority of being children of God (Genesis 3:1–7). That single act of disobedience broke our relationship with God and brought spiritual death into the world. From that moment, mankind no longer belonged to the family of God, but to the family of the enemy—Satan, the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
Since then, every person has been born into a fallen world, spiritually dead, and unknowingly walking under the dominion of the devil. Scripture describes this reality plainly: we followed “the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2:1–2). In this kingdom of darkness, the devil rules with the law of sin and death, bringing about disasters, destruction, generational curses, and endless suffering.
Tragically, most people don’t even know who they are, where they came from, or to whom they truly belong. In desperate search for identity and purpose, they turn to self-help, religion, or human philosophy. They define their worth by their possessions, their appearance, their success, or the approval of others. Their minds are consumed by “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). And yet, in the midst of all their striving, their hearts remain dark, burdened, and restless.
But today’s Word tells us that the right to become children of God is not something we can earn or achieve—it is a gift that only God can give (John 1:12–13). Out of His deep love, God did the unthinkable: He gave His one and only Son to be the ransom for our sin (Mark 10:45). Jesus took our place and bore our punishment. Through His sacrifice, God rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).
By His law of grace, God set us free from the power of sin and death. Like the father who ran to embrace his lost son, God welcomes us back with open arms (Luke 15:11–32). He forgave our original sin, the sins passed down through our generations, and the actual sins we have committed. His forgiveness is unconditional, full, and forever.
When we received Jesus as the Christ and believed in His name, God restored to us the very status and authority we had lost in Eden. He made us alive with Christ. He gave us His Spirit by whom we now cry, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). Jesus, who sanctified us, calls us His family. He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11).
We are now heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6), where we can enjoy every spiritual blessing God has stored up for us in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). This is our eternal identity.
So, know who you are. You are a child of God. The Holy Spirit dwells within you and will be with you forever (John 14:16). Even when you feel weak or uncertain, the Spirit testifies to your heart that you belong to God (Romans 8:16). He will not abandon you like an orphan. Instead, He will guide you, comfort you, and remind you of the Word in every situation (John 14:26).
Therefore, do not be discouraged or afraid. God has given you peace that the world cannot offer or take away (John 14:27). You have an anointing from the Holy One and you know the truth (1 John 2:20). Because of this, you will not be shaken.
The Holy Spirit will work powerfully in and through you, enabling you to live as a bold witness of Christ to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). So walk each day in prayer, enjoying your identity and renewing your mind in the truth. Remind yourself constantly: I am a child of God. I am loved, I am chosen, and I have been sent.
And know that with your identity comes kingdom authority. Your true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). The heavenly hosts are assigned to protect you and serve God’s will in your life (Hebrews 1:14). The authority of the kingdom of God has been entrusted to you. You no longer belong to the dominion of Satan. His kingdom has no hold over you (Luke 10:19).
Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him—and He now sends you with that same authority to make disciples of all nations and build His Church throughout the world (Matthew 28:18–20). He has promised to be with you until the very end of the age.
So stand firm in your identity. Use your authority. Advance the kingdom. And never forget: you belong to the Father.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for giving me the right to become a child of God. I know it is not by my works but entirely because of what Christ has done for me. Help me to experience the fullness of my identity and walk in the authority You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.