Why is receiving Christ different from accepting Christ?

The distinction between receiving and accepting Christ is crucial in understanding true conversion. John 1:12-13 illustrates that those who receive Christ are granted the right to become children of God, indicating that this is an act of divine grace. Receiving implies that God extends His mercy and we are enabled to accept this gift by His power, highlighting the unmerited favor of God in salvation. Unlike accepting, which suggests human initiative, receiving signifies a response to God's gracious call, emphasizing that even our ability to believe is a gift from God. This theology upholds the truth that salvation is all of grace and solely from the will of God, as we are unable to earn or produce faith on our own.