Gratitude For Adoption Over Bloodline
What does it mean to believe that God has adopted Christians as His children? It means that the Lord has given us a new legal status where we have been transferred from membership in Satan’s family to membership in God’s family. In love, He sent His Son to secure our salvation. Hence, when we believe in Christ the Lord, He gives us a new nature so we can respond to Him in faith. Consequently, we are part of His family – a far greater blessing than any bloodline.
Being a child of God is both a great responsibility and a great privilege. As His children, we have the responsibility to walk in faith-inspired obedience under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:5; 8:14-15). Refusing to be like the world, we are transformed to understand and do His will (Romans 12:1-2). Normally, it also involves avoiding unacceptably close relationships with those who are still in the devil’s family (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
As to privileges, being part of his family means we are now free from an immature, rule-dominated way of living (Galatians 4:1-5, NCV). We are free to be spiritual rather than merely religious individuals. Instead of judgment, we receive parental correction (Hebrews 12:5-11). Like Jesus, God’s unique Son, we receive an inheritance of both spiritual blessing and suffering in this life (Ephesians 1:3; Romans 8:17). We also receive glorious conformity to Him in the future (1 John 3:2; Hebrews 2:10). We become part of His family (Ephesians 2:19) and get to enjoy increasingly intimate fellowship with the Lord (2 Cor 13:13, Message).
Being a son or daughter of God is a great blessing purchased at the incalculable price of Jesus’ incarnation and death. It is not to be lightly esteemed. Nor should we lightly esteem those who are fellow family members. They, too, belong to Him.
Loving trust is more important than mere head knowledge.