Topical Encyclopedia Adoption, in the biblical context, refers to the gracious act of God by which believers are received into His family as His children. This divine adoption is a profound demonstration of God's patience and mercy, as He welcomes sinners into His household, transforming them into heirs of His promises.Biblical Foundation The concept of adoption is rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul articulates its spiritual significance. In Romans 8:15, Paul writes, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba, Father!'" . This passage highlights the intimate relationship believers enter into with God, characterized by a familial bond that dispels fear and fosters closeness. Furthermore, Ephesians 1:5 underscores the preordained nature of this adoption: "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will" . This verse reveals that adoption is not an afterthought but a deliberate act of God's will, reflecting His eternal plan and benevolent purpose. God's Patience and Mercy God's patience is evident in His willingness to adopt those who were once estranged from Him due to sin. 2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" . This patience is a testament to God's desire for all to experience the transformative power of adoption, allowing time for repentance and reconciliation. Mercy, too, is a cornerstone of divine adoption. Ephesians 2:4-5 declares, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved" . God's mercy is the driving force behind the act of adoption, as He extends grace to those who are undeserving, bringing them from spiritual death to life. The Transformative Power of Adoption Adoption into God's family is not merely a change in status but a transformation of identity. Galatians 4:4-7 explains, "But when the 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 our adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God" . This passage emphasizes the shift from slavery to sonship, highlighting the new identity and inheritance believers receive through adoption. The Role of Jesus Christ Central to the doctrine of adoption is the role of Jesus Christ, through whom believers are brought into God's family. John 1:12 affirms, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" . Christ's redemptive work on the cross is the means by which adoption is made possible, granting believers the right to be called children of God. The Assurance of Adoption The assurance of adoption is sealed by the Holy Spirit, who testifies to the believer's new identity. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children" . This internal witness provides believers with confidence in their status as God's children, affirming their place in His family and the security of their inheritance. In summary, adoption is a profound expression of God's patience and mercy, inviting believers into a transformative relationship with Him as His children. Through the work of Jesus Christ and the testimony of the Holy Spirit, believers are assured of their place in God's family, experiencing the fullness of His love and grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 31:1,9,20At the same time, said the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction. The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... They Shall be Called the Children of God A Treatise of the Fear of God; Chastisement John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... The Priesthood of Christ The Object of Theology Examination of the Treatise The Covenant Promise of the Spirit Resources What does it mean that Christians are adopted by God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I recover from a failed adoption? | GotQuestions.org Having Children ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Adoption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Adoption is According to Promise Adoption is to be Pleaded in Prayer Adoption of Gentiles, Predicted Adoption: A Privilege of Saints Adoption: Being Led by the Spirit is an Evidence of Adoption: Entitles to an Inheritance Adoption: General Scriptures Concerning Adoption: God is Patience and Merciful Towards the Partakers of Adoption: Illustrated: Joseph's Sons Adoption: New Birth Connected With Adoption: Safety of Those Who Receive Adoption: Saints Become Brethren of Christ By Adoption: Saints Predestinated To Adoption: Saints Receive the Spirit of Adoption: Saints Wait for Final Consummation of Adoption: should Lead to Holiness Adoption: should Produce a Desire for God's Glory Adoption: should Produce a Forgiving Spirit Adoption: should Produce a Love of Peace Adoption: should Produce a Merciful Spirit Adoption: should Produce a Spirit of Prayer Adoption: should Produce an Avoidance of Ostentation Adoption: should Produce Child-Like Confidence in God Adoption: should Produce Likeness to God Adoption: Subjects Saints to the Fatherly Discipline of God Adoption: The Adopted are Gathered Together in One by Christ Adoption: The Holy Spirit is a Witness of Related Terms |
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