In John chapter 1, we see that Jesus is the Word made flesh. In verses 11 and 12 it says,
“He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own—His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.
It must have been heart rendering to know that Jesus came to be received, and many did not receive Him. How much more obvious could it have been that He was The Messiah, The Son of God? But to the ones that did, verse 12 applies.
“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.”
We have the same option today. We can receive Jesus and the Gift of the Holy Spirit and receive all that God has for us, and the bonus of His power, privilege and rights. Sounds like we get the best end of this deal! Jesus came to us and for us, and when we welcome Him into our life initially, and then everyday give Him the right to our heart and life, we are the beneficiaries of tremendous benefits. The option not to receive seems silly. Let’s get all that God has for us. That’s the way we will live the abundant life that Jesus promised.