Scripture: John 1:13 (ESV) – “Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
In John 1:13, we are reminded of the miraculous and sovereign work of God in our salvation: “Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” This verse emphasizes that our status as children of God is not the result of human effort, family lineage, or personal striving. Rather, it is the work of God alone, a new birth granted by His grace and power.
Calvin stresses that this spiritual birth, this new creation in Christ, cannot be attributed to anything we inherit or accomplish. First, it is “not of blood.” This means that no human lineage, heritage, or family connection can grant us salvation. Even being a descendant of Abraham did not guarantee spiritual life to the Israelites, let alone to us. Salvation is not a birthright; it is a gift.
Second, we are told it is “not of the will of the flesh.” Our natural desires and efforts are insufficient to bring about this new birth. No amount of human striving or moral effort can earn our way into God’s family. We are spiritually dead in our sins and incapable of making ourselves alive. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:1, “You were dead in the trespasses and sins.” A dead person cannot raise themselves; only God can bring life.
Lastly, it is “not of the will of man.” No human decision or external pressure can make this happen. It is not the result of our plans or the persuasion of others. True spiritual life comes from the will of God alone. Our rebirth is an act of divine initiative, rooted in God’s unchanging will and purpose. It is a powerful reminder that our salvation is not something we can boast about, for it originates solely from God’s gracious choice and action.
Understanding this should fill us with humility and gratitude. If you are a child of God, it is because He has chosen to make you His own. You did not earn or deserve this new life; it is entirely a work of His sovereign grace. This realization should drive us to worship and to a life marked by awe and reverence for the One who has saved us.
Furthermore, this truth gives us great assurance. Since our spiritual birth is of God and not of man, we can rest in the security of His work. What God has begun, He will complete. Our faith may waver, and our circumstances may change, but the God who gave us new life is faithful and unchanging.
Reflection Questions:
- How does knowing that your spiritual birth is entirely the work of God change the way you think about your salvation and your relationship with Him?
- Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to earn God’s favor, instead of resting in His sovereign grace?
Prayer: Sovereign God, we are in awe of Your grace that has given us new life, not because of anything we have done or could ever do, but because of Your will and love. Help us to rest in the security of Your work and to live lives full of gratitude and humility. Strengthen our faith and remind us daily that our salvation is Your gift, freely given and sustained by Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:13*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 