You know that classic Mean Kid Trick where the older sibling tells the younger one, usually in a fit of frustration, “Yeah, well, you know WHAT? There is something you don’t know, but I do! You are ADOPTED!” And the little kid runs off, sobbing to his mom, to find out if this new revelation is true.
Guess what? It is true. You are adopted. So am I, so is everyone. We are all the adopted sons and daughters of God.
Saint Paul writes:
For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. Ephesians 1:4-6
The Greek word for “adoption to sonship” (huiothesia) is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture. The adopted son has the same legal rights as the biological one. And in God’s eyes, the son is not only an heir to the kingdom, but is also equally loved and cherished.
This idea is repeated again:
But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:4-6
And again:
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? Romans 8:22-24
And even again:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:14-16
If the idea of adoption is still not clear enough, God also says:
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18.
The Lord has a heart for adoption and a Father’s passionate love for all His children.
So true! I found out today that friends are beginning an adoption journey. I’m excited for them. They’ve even started a blog. I’m going to share your blog link with them. I hope it’s ok!