But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

John 1:12

The most important step in giving your life to God is to realize how much He loves you and how much He desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-5 says, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” God isn’t trying to keep people out of heaven. In fact, Jesus came and gave His life so we may receive His gift of salvation.

There’s something deeply comforting about the word receive. It’s not “achieve.” It’s not “earn.” It’s not to “prove.” It’s to receive. Receiving Jesus begins with honesty. We admit we are sinners. We acknowledge that we can’t save ourselves. We recognize our need for a Savior. And then we repent — we turn from our sin and turn toward Him. Not perfectly. Not flawlessly. But sincerely.

Believing in His name isn’t just agreeing that He exists. It’s trusting Him enough to surrender. To say, “Lord, I need You. Forgive me. Change me.”

And then comes the beautiful part: He gave the right to become children of God.

Not servants trying to stay out of trouble. Not strangers hoping to be noticed. Children, His children.
Children are welcome, they have access, they are loved because they belong. Not because they finally cleaned themselves up. The repentance doesn’t earn the relationship; it opens our hearts to receive the One who already paid the price.

Some days we forget that. We slip back into performance mode. We think we have to prove we’re worthy. But this verse gently reminds us: when we come to Him honestly, when we repent and believe, we are received — and we belong.

This week, let’s come to Him with open hearts. Let’s admit where we’ve fallen short, turn back toward Him, and rest in the truth that through Christ, we are God’s children — loved, forgiven, and secure.