The Joy of Adoption

        Human adoption and spiritual adoption differ in one distinct point. In human adoption the adopting party, the parents, make all of the decisions. In spiritual adoption the one being adopted makes the choices. They choose to be adopted. The terms for adoption are set by the one adopting, but the one being adopted agrees to them and thereby the adoption is consummated. 

        The terms for spiritual adoption are to believe Jesus Christ lived a holy sinless life and offered Himself on the cross as a substitute for the sins of all people. The one being adopted agrees with this and asks the Father for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life.

        One of the key implications of spiritual adoption is the believer’s new identity and security in Christ. Being adopted by God means the believer is no longer a slave to sin or fear, but is now an heir of God. Galatians 4:7 proclaims, “So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” This inheritance includes eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and participation in the family of believers. Spiritual adoption transforms not only how a person relates to God, but also how they relate to others, as all believers become spiritual siblings in God’s family.

        Furthermore, this adoption leads to transformation. Just as adopted children often grow to reflect the values and love of their new families, believers are called to grow in love, and obedience as children of God. The Holy Spirit, given at the moment of adoption, empowers believers to live out their new identity and assures them of God’s continual presence.

        In conclusion, spiritual adoption by God is one of the most intimate and assuring doctrines in the Christian faith. It reveals God’s heart as a loving Father who brings the estranged near and transforms them into beloved children. Through Christ, believers are not merely pardoned—they are embraced, welcomed, and eternally secured in God’s family. This truth shapes the Christian’s identity, purpose, and hope both in this life and the life to come.

        WHO NEEDS THIS: EVERYONE. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3: 23).

        WHAT IS IT CALLED: IT IS CALLED BY A VARIETY OF TERMS, SUCH AS,  SALVATION, BEING BORN AGAIN, BEING SAVED, NEW LIFE.

        AIDS TO NEW LIFE: BIBLE STUDY, PRAYER, AND FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS.

        MISNOMER: SOME ASSUME THE PERSON ADOPTED WILL LIVE A SINLESS LIFE. NOT SO. THEY WILL HAVE A DESIRE TO BE OBEDIENT TO THE LORD, BUT WILL ON OCCASION FALL SHORT. THEY ARE STILL THE CHILD OF GOD, THOUGH DISOBEDIENT.