Sometimes the definitions of words may not in and of themselves reveal the truth of a verse, but God gives wisdom to those who seek His face diligently in humility. I am still seeking God for wisdom and humility, which is probably why the Lord continues to bring me through suffering, and this is what I see at the present in John 1: Jesus must first turn on the light to the unregenerate soul (verse 9) and then whosoever receives that light (vs 12 a) will then be given power to become the son of God as the next step in the process (vs 12b). Turning on the light does not involve the will of man. God has promised to reveal the light to all men and to draw all men regardless of their opinions or even knowledge in the matter.
Salvation is also totally of God who gives the power to become the sons of God to those who receive the revelation of God's word (the light) to their heart by the Holy Ghost. No man can take that power on his own because it is not man's perogative to take that power to himself. The power to become the sons of God rests in God alone who gives that power to whom He pleases according to His will alone, and it is revealed here that God is pleased to give this power to those He sees as having received the Light before they are given this power.
The only part man plays in salvation has nothing to do with turning over a new leaf, cleaning up his life, saying prayers, walking the aisle, getting baptized, etc., but is simply believing God by faith which has nothing to do with works. Believing God does, however, have everything to do with a choice man must make of his own free will, without being forced to believe by God.
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