John 1:11-13 Children of God

Focusing in on the Jews, the nation of Israel - they were YHWH's own people, chosen through their descent from Abraham the father of nations who had walked with YHWH, subsequently blessed with His presence during the exodus from Egypt and with the revealed law of Moses, and then with the Davidic kingdom and dynasty, and the revelation of the prophets. Jesus came to them and they did not receive Him. In fact, their leadership (the priesthood) had conspired with the worldly authorities of the Roman Empire to get rid of Him. But a few individuals did receive Him. To those individuals, who believed in Him and His name, he gave the right, privilege, and authority to become children of God.

          There is a sharp difference of culture between Christianity and Islam on this point. Jesus clearly taught that God was a Father, who has children. Islam teaches that Allah is a master who has slaves. Christian believers are called children of God. Muslim believers are the slaves of Allah. It is a privilege to be a child of God, but Jesus gives this privilege to anyone who will receive Him. Children receive many benefits or blessings from their parents. Obvious ones include provision and sustenance, and also protection. An often unappreciated blessing that  children receive from their parents is discipline, as is explained in Hebrews 12:6-11. John does not further develop the theme of being a child of God here.

          John next explains the final cause for people to become children of God. It is not through a material cause such as blood. The efficient cause is not the will of the flesh or of man. A baby may come into the world through these causes, but God's plan and purpose, His will, is for these people to become His children. This does not mean that every person becomes His child, but it is His desire and will that they do so. Does this mean that His will can be thwarted? Unfortunately, as the story of Adam and Eve demonstrates, His plan can be temporarily derailed. God is sovereign and His will is for all humans to be His children, but He permits them to refuse. Does this allow human will to trump God's sovereignty? There is a great mystery here.