John 1:13
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:13
This verse clarifies the spiritual birth that marks a true follower. It emphasizes that being “born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” means sovereignty of God in regeneration, independent of human lineage, human effort, or human desire alone. It rejects human bloodline privilege, human-driven morality, or human striving as the sole source of spiritual life. The picture aligns with Jewish expectations of new birth and with broader themes of new creation.
The verse guards against self-generated righteousness and foregrounds divine initiative in salvation. It underscores monergism in regeneration (God working alone in new birth) in tension with human responsibility to respond in faith. It also frames salvation as grace-driven, not merit-based.
- Rest in God’s work: recognize that spiritual life is a gift requiring trust, not performance.
- Humility in ministry: avoid idolizing methods or lineage; focus on God’s regenerating power.
- Prayerful dependence: invite God to renew your inner life beyond religious routines.
Cross-References
- Titus 3:5
- 1 Peter 1:3
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- John 3:5-8
- Ezekiel 36:26-27