Let us have context of Matt. 23.12 so that we can see that these scripture is not speaking in reference to anyone's eternal salvation:
No mention of changing themselves from children of wrath to children of God.
God Bless
Bro. Dallas
I will give you, for the sake of argument, the statement concerning fruits of Protestantism, for what that is worth.
This is speaking directly to those who are among you (you being the family of God); vs. 12 cannot stand alone and cannot be made to say that by self humiliation one wins position as child of God. It teaches in context that those among the children of God who would be great must be servant and then vs 12 says: And whoseover shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.Matthew 23:1 ¶Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
No mention of changing themselves from children of wrath to children of God.
God Bless
Bro. Dallas

I will give you, for the sake of argument, the statement concerning fruits of Protestantism, for what that is worth.