"Adopted" into God's Family

"Adopted" into God's Family


What is the biblical doctrine of our adoption by God?

The moment a person puts their faith in Christ as Savior, they became more than  a follower – they became family!

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.  So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves.  Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 

For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are his heirs.  In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.  But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering” (Romans 8:14-17).

God adopts all believers as His own sons and daughters, to be a part of His family for all eternity!   This has profound implications.

When a child is adopted into a family they are as much a part of that family as if they were naturally born into it.  

In fact, in biblical times, adoption was MORE binding than your birth family.  A father could disown his natural-born children but could never revoke the relationship or inheritance of an adopted child.  That child was entitled to the full resources, affections and inheritance of the family from that day onward.

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We have the same standing in God’s family as His Son, Jesus Christ:

  • Confident access to the Father.  While we approach God with respect, we never have to approach Him with dread.  We are welcomed in His presence anytime, anywhere (Ephesians 3:12).
  • Fully loved and accepted by God.  The same love God has for Jesus, God has for you.
  • His power on our behalf.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now words toward you (Ephesians 1:19-20).
  • A secure inheritance.  The inheritance God set aside for Jesus is laid aside for you.  Your share in God’s glory is secure.  Nothing can separate you from the love of God.  Romans 8:38-39, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.”
  • We share His sufferings.  This doesn’t mean random trials, but when we face a hardship due to following Christ (Romans 8:17).  Being a part of a family means sharing the ups and downs.  It was because Jesus was fully obedient that He experienced suffering, and we must follow His example:

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.  He is your example, and you must follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). 

That’s probably not the kind of inheritance some expected.  But remember, God is with us and Jesus has already won the victory (John 16:33).