The doctrine of adoption implicitly acknowledges that humanity, in its natural state, is estranged from God due to sin. Not all are inherently children of God by birth. We require a Redeemer to liberate us from the bondage of sin, underscoring the need for a supernatural act of God to enable us to become part of His divine family, a status we cannot achieve through our own efforts.
This divine adoption is not determined by physical lineage or human endeavor but is received through faith (John 1:12-13). God initiated the rescue mission by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins. The privilege of being adopted as God's children is unparalleled, granting us an imperishable inheritance in heaven.
Paul used the metaphor of adoption to convey that believers share in the inheritance that belongs to Jesus Christ:
“and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17)
Paul's message here is deeply rooted in the theme of adoption. He emphasizes that as believers, we are not just children of God, but also heirs. This means we have an inheritance waiting for us, just like Jesus. Being "heirs of God" signifies a shared inheritance with Christ, highlighting our unity and co-heirship with Him. The mention of suffering underscores the reality that following Christ may come with challenges, but these trials are part of our journey to ultimate glorification with Him.
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
“and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17)
Paul's message here is deeply rooted in the theme of adoption. He emphasizes that as believers, we are not just children of God, but also heirs. This means we have an inheritance waiting for us, just like Jesus. Being "heirs of God" signifies a shared inheritance with Christ, highlighting our unity and co-heirship with Him. The mention of suffering underscores the reality that following Christ may come with challenges, but these trials are part of our journey to ultimate glorification with Him.
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
Paul highlights the divine timing in God's plan. "When the fullness of the time came" refers to the precise moment in history when God chose to send Jesus into the world. Jesus, born of a woman, signifies His humanity, and being "born under the Law" illustrates His submission to the Jewish Law. The purpose of His coming was to redeem those bound by the Law, enabling them to be adopted into God's family. This adoption is not merely a legal status but signifies a deep, familial relationship with Him.
Christ possesses all things, and we are invited to share in His glory and riches as members of the kingdom of heaven (John 17:22; 2 Corinthians 8:9). This adoption through Jesus Christ is a predestined act, reflecting the kind intention of God’s will:
“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” (Ephesians 1:5)
The shed blood of Christ secures both our justification and our adoption by God the Father. This divine relationship is not merely legalistic but deeply personal. He belongs to us, and we belong to Him.
The implications of our adoption by God are vast. It signifies that we are no longer slaves to sin, but are now partakers in the divine nature and inheritors of the kingdom of God. We are granted the privilege of calling God "Father" and enjoying the intimacy of a familial relationship with Him. This newfound status as children of God comes with responsibilities, living in a manner worthy of our calling and reflecting God's character in our lives.
Moreover, adoption assures us of God's unbreakable love and commitment. As His children, we are under His protection and care, guaranteed that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Our adoption also fosters unity among believers, as we recognize that we are all members of the same divine family, united in Christ.
Christ possesses all things, and we are invited to share in His glory and riches as members of the kingdom of heaven (John 17:22; 2 Corinthians 8:9). This adoption through Jesus Christ is a predestined act, reflecting the kind intention of God’s will:
“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” (Ephesians 1:5)
The shed blood of Christ secures both our justification and our adoption by God the Father. This divine relationship is not merely legalistic but deeply personal. He belongs to us, and we belong to Him.
The implications of our adoption by God are vast. It signifies that we are no longer slaves to sin, but are now partakers in the divine nature and inheritors of the kingdom of God. We are granted the privilege of calling God "Father" and enjoying the intimacy of a familial relationship with Him. This newfound status as children of God comes with responsibilities, living in a manner worthy of our calling and reflecting God's character in our lives.
Moreover, adoption assures us of God's unbreakable love and commitment. As His children, we are under His protection and care, guaranteed that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Our adoption also fosters unity among believers, as we recognize that we are all members of the same divine family, united in Christ.
Forensic justification causes things which are not forensic in nature to happen. We obtain peace with God by faith, which includes assurance of salvation and the freedom to pursue holiness in gratitude for what God has done for us. These blessings have a consequential relationship to justification by faith alone. The relationship of God to the unbelieving world is that of a judge to a convict, whereas our relationship to Him is that of a father to a son.
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