February 27

"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.

THE phraseology here employed, supposes a very awful fact, that there are some who reject the Saviour. Look at the verse preceding the text, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." Here is a visit of the greatest kindness, and an act of the basest ingratitude. But let us notice

WHAT THE CHRISTIAN DOES TO THE SAVIOUR. He gives him a cordial reception. Receiving and believing in Christ are synonymous terms. It implies

An acquaintance with him. We do not repose confidence in an individual, without a knowledge of him; and if we would exercise faith in Christ, we must possess a spiritual acquaintance with him. There may be faith in an unseen, but not in an unknown Saviour.

Confidence in him. Believing on his name implies the repose of the soul on his atonement, and the grounding of all our hopes on his mediation. It is not a nominal but a real faith, not a dead but a living one, not a common but a saving one.

The reception of him. Christ is to be received in all the characters by which he is made known, in all the offices he performs, in all the blessings he confers, and in all the duties he requires.

WHAT THE SAVIOUR DOES FOR THE CHRISTIAN. "To them gave he power to become the sons of God."

The exalted privilege conferred. They have an honorable title; not only a new name, but a new nature. They realize much here, but anticipate more in the world to come. They are under the care of Divine Providence, in the reception of enriching grace, and in prospect of eternal glory.

The Divine agency acknowledged. "To them gave he power." The original word signifies right or authority. This he does by the efficacy of his cross; thus it is procured, by the grace of his Spirit, thus it is bestowed.