ADOPTION
1. Core Meaning
Adoption is the act of God by which He brings believers into His family as beloved sons and daughters through Jesus Christ.
It means:
• God chooses us freely and lovingly
• We receive a new identity and status
• We share in Christ’s inheritance
• We enjoy intimate relationship with the Father
• We are no longer slaves, but children
Adoption is one of the most relational and tender doctrines in Scripture—God makes strangers into His own children.
2. Biblical Foundations
John 1:12
“To all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” (Summary: Faith in Christ brings believers into God’s family.)
Romans 8:15–17
“You received the Spirit of adoption… by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Summary: The Spirit assures believers of their identity as God’s children and heirs.)
Galatians 4:4–7
“God sent His Son… that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Summary: Christ redeems us so we may become God’s children.)
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ.” (Summary: Adoption flows from God’s eternal love and purpose.)
3. Theological Meaning
A. A New Identity
Believers are no longer defined by sin, shame, or past—they are God’s children.
B. A New Relationship
Adoption brings intimacy: believers call God “Abba,” a term of deep affection.
C. A New Status
Adopted children share Christ’s inheritance—eternal life, glory, and the kingdom.
D. A Work of the Spirit
The Spirit testifies to our adoption, assuring us of God’s love.
E. A Gift of Grace
Adoption is not earned; it is freely given through Christ’s redeeming work.
4. Voices from Christian Tradition
John Calvin
“Adoption is the chief and most excellent privilege of the gospel.”
J.I. Packer
“Adoption is the highest privilege the gospel offers.”
Augustine
“By grace He regenerates us as children, calling us sons through the Spirit of adoption.”
Charles Spurgeon
“God does not merely forgive our sins—He receives us into His family as sons.”
Thomas Watson
“Adoption is a mercy spun out of the bowels of free grace.”
John Wesley
“The Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are children of God.”
5. Practical Spiritual Significance
Security — God’s children are loved, accepted, and held forever.
Identity — Adoption defines who we are in Christ.
Intimacy — Believers enjoy personal fellowship with the Father.
Transformation — Children grow to resemble their Father.
Inheritance — Eternal life and glory belong to God’s family.
6. Summary
Adoption is God’s gracious act of making believers His children through Christ.
It gives a new identity, new intimacy, new security, and a new inheritance.
To be adopted is to be loved, chosen, welcomed, and embraced by the Father forever.
In Daily Faith: Live as God’s beloved child—secure, accepted, and confident in His love.
In Daily Life: Living as God’s Adopted Children
Adoption shapes every part of life—how believers think, feel, relate, work, and hope.
To live as God’s children is to walk in the freedom, security, and love of the Father.
1. In Your Heart — Embracing Your Identity as God’s Child
Adoption begins with receiving God’s love.
• Romans 8:15 (Summary: The Spirit enables believers to cry, “Abba, Father.”)
Daily Practice:
Begin each day declaring: “I am God’s beloved child.”
Why It Matters:
Identity shapes confidence, peace, and purpose.
Encouragement:
Your Father delights in you.
2. In Your Thoughts — Renewing Your Mind With the Truth of Sonship
Adoption reshapes how you think about yourself and God.
• Ephesians 1:5 (Summary: God lovingly predestined believers for adoption.)
Daily Practice:
Replace lies of unworthiness with Scripture about God’s love.
Why It Matters:
A renewed mind strengthens faith.
Encouragement:
The Father’s love is stronger than your doubts.
3. In Your Speech — Speaking as One Who Belongs to the Father
Adopted children speak with gratitude, confidence, and grace.
• Psalm 103:13 (Summary: God has compassion on His children.)
Daily Practice:
Let your words reflect the kindness of your Father.
Why It Matters:
Speech reveals identity.
Encouragement:
God uses your words to reflect His heart.
4. In Your Relationships — Loving Others as Family
Adoption creates a new family: the Church.
• John 13:34 (Summary: Love one another as Christ loved you.)
Daily Practice:
Treat fellow believers as brothers and sisters.
Why It Matters:
Family love displays the gospel.
Encouragement:
God knits His children together in unity.
5. In Your Work — Serving With the Confidence of a Child of God
Adopted children work from acceptance, not for acceptance.
• Colossians 3:23 (Summary: Work wholeheartedly for the Lord.)
Daily Practice:
Offer your work to God as a child serving a loving Father.
Why It Matters:
Identity transforms motivation.
Encouragement:
Your Father delights in your faithfulness.
6. In Your Community — Living as a Witness of the Father’s Love
Adoption makes believers ambassadors of God’s family.
• Matthew 5:16 (Summary: Let your light shine to glorify the Father.)
Daily Practice:
Show compassion, generosity, and welcome to others.
Why It Matters:
Your life reflects your Father’s heart.
Encouragement:
God’s love flows through His children.
7. In Your Habits — Practicing Rhythms That Deepen Sonship
Adoption grows through spiritual disciplines.
• Psalm 119:11 (Summary: Hide God’s Word in your heart.)
Daily Practice:
Build habits of prayer, Scripture, worship, and gratitude.
Why It Matters:
Disciplines strengthen intimacy with the Father.
Encouragement:
God meets you in every quiet moment.
8. In Your Suffering — Resting in the Father’s Care
Adopted children suffer with hope.
• Romans 8:17 (Summary: God’s children share both Christ’s suffering and glory.)
Daily Practice:
Run to the Father in pain; trust His presence and promises.
Why It Matters:
Suffering does not negate sonship—it deepens it.
Encouragement:
Your Father holds you in every trial.
9. In Your Future — Living With the Hope of Your Inheritance
Adoption guarantees a glorious future.
• Romans 8:23 (Summary: Believers await the full adoption—the redemption of their bodies.)
Daily Practice:
Let your decisions reflect your eternal inheritance.
Why It Matters:
Hope shapes perseverance and purpose.
Encouragement:
Your Father has prepared an eternal home for you.