"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." Proverbs 3:13

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12, NKJV)

What does this mean? Is this an argument against sovereign grace as the Pharisees would have it?

Just look at the next verse to see sovereign grace established:

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, NKJV)

What of verse 12?

Darby's translation has "to be children of God"…

but as many as received him, to them gave he [the] right to be children of God, to those that believe on his name;

Gill suggests this refers to the bestowing of a great privilege upon an individual, and I agree.

Individuals must be born of God if they are receiving Him. Therefore, this must be speaking from the perspective of our experience. When we receive Him, we have understanding of no longer being in bondage to works of law, but of now being free in Christ. After being in darkness, dead in sins, ignorant and alien to Christ in our minds, it is truly as if we have "become" sons and daughters of God. For the first time in our lives, we cry out "Abba father" as a child would. We are free to BE what we are--justified in Christ! At regeneration, we have the great privilege of understanding this relationship, enjoying this relationship, taking comfort in this relationship, and living according to this new principle.