Adoption | Resource Guide
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Definition: “An act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the children of God. It is the reception into a family of one who does not belong to it by birth” (The Westminster Confession of Faith).
The gracious nature of adoption: 1. It originates in the love and good pleasure of God (Eph 1:4-5; 1 Jn 3:1-2). 2. It is due to the work of Christ (Gal 4:4-5). 3. It is not due to any natural relation (Jn 1:12). 4. It is given to those who respond in faith (Jn 1:12). 5. It is given at the beginning of our Christian life. Hence, we don’t work for it or earn it (Jn 1:12; Eph 1:4-6).
Some characteristics of adoption: 1. Adoption is a legal act which results in our now having a new status as God’s adopted son or daughter (Gal 4:1-7). 2. Adoption involves a transfer from Satan’s family to God’s family (1 Jn 3:10 & Acts 26:18). 3. The new birth is a prerequisite to adoption because God doesn’t adopt those in His family who habitually rebel against Him (Lk 6:46). 4. The root of adoption is election (Eph 1:5). 5. Believers, while not understanding all the blessings of being adopted (1 Jn 3:1-2), will receive the benefits of their adoption in its fullest form at the resurrection (Rom 8:23).
Some responsibilities which result from being adopted: 1. A need to walk by faith rather than fear (Heb 10:39) leading to obedience (Rom 1:5; 16:26) and 2. A special responsibility to help God’s children (Gal 6:10; 2 Tim 2:10; 1 Jn 3:14-18).
Some blessings which result from being adopted: 1.The Holy Spirit increasingly guides us (Rom 8:14) into increasingly intimate fellowship and friendship with God (Gal 4:6; 2 Cor 13:13, Message). 2. The internal witness of the Holy Spirit enables us to consciously recognize that we are Abba’s dearly-loved children (Rom 8:15-16). 3. We are part of God’s family (Eph 2:19). 4. We are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:17). 5. In the future, our spirits will be made perfect in conformity to the perfect Son of God (1 Jn 3:2; Heb 12:23). 6. As a son or daughter of God the Father, we will experience loving parental correction rather than judgment (Heb 12:5-11; 1 Thess 1:10). 7. We will be legally freed from the useless religious rules of this world (Gal 4:1-5, NCV) which subjected us to demonic bondage (Gal 4:8 and see JNTC note).