Twelve Days of Christmas at Ararat - Day 12: All who receive Christ become children of God.

”But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:“

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead, causing many people to believe in Him. However, some of the people who saw this miracle went straight to the religious leaders to report it.

The men of the council were dismayed when they heard of the resurrection of Lazarus, fearing that if Jesus were allowed to continue to operate, the people would believe Him, provoking Rome to remove their name and their nation. This was the context within which Caiaphas unwittingly prophesied concerning what Jesus had come to do:

”And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.“

‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭49‬-‭52‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Indeed, Jesus would give the authority not only to the Jewish believers, but to all who would believe on His name, to become children of God and joint heirs with Him!

”For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.“

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭26‬-‭29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Through the work of the cross, Jesus has taken away the sin stain separating us from God. As well, He has sent His precious Holy Spirit to confirm our sonship and guide us into all we need to know and do concerning our adoption.

”For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.“

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Finally, have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#12daysatararat