“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
King James Version (KJV)
1:12 But as many as received him - Jews or Gentiles; that believe on his name - That is, on him. The moment they believe, they are sons; and because they are sons, God sendeth forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. The Revised Version reads, "children of God", which is better. While the nation rejected him, some received him. To such as receive him in every age he gives power to become the children of God. The manner in which he is received is given: [Even] to them that believe on his name. It is not declared that they are made children by believing, but to the believer he gives the "power to 'become'" a child. When one believes in Christ, his faith becomes a power to lead him to yield himself to God and to receive the Word into his heart.