Sonship

But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name- JOHN 1:12 AMP

There is always a BUT when it comes to decision making. There will always be a choice between two extremes; two eternal destinations. Whether you are conscious of it or not isn't the issue: the fact is that at a point in time in your physical life, you must decide where your real life will be spent.

For today's extract, the choice is between receiving/welcoming or rejecting Him - the one presented by God as the only one who can secure eternal life for us. You will make a choice. There is no middle ground; no sitting on the fence for this one. Indecision itself is a decision, as your allegiances will be tested and you will have to choose a side eventually. What will it be for you?

When you receive it, you are called by a different name, one that indicates your new identity and ownership. Being called a child of God means you are beginning a new life, right from a new birth. You learn how to feed, crawl, walk, run, jump, whilst living under the name you bear. You don't get to decide how you will bear the name; God has laid down the standard, and expects that all who come to him live as He directs.

It is very important to know who you are now, so you can be assured of what is expected of you. Have you taken that decision of new ownership? It is not just enough to call yourself by His name, or for the world to assume you are His. Does God know you as his child? His time of favour is here.