Topical Encyclopedia Adoption, within the biblical context, is a profound theological concept that signifies the believer's entrance into the family of God. This adoption is not merely a legal transaction but a transformative relationship grounded in the promises of God. The doctrine of adoption is intricately linked to the covenantal promises made by God throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament revelation of believers as children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.Old Testament Foundations The concept of adoption is foreshadowed in the Old Testament through God's covenantal relationship with Israel. God chose Israel as His "firstborn son" (Exodus 4:22), setting the stage for the understanding of divine adoption. This choice was not based on Israel's merit but on God's sovereign promise to Abraham. In Genesis 17:7, God declares, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." This promise underscores the idea that adoption into God's family is rooted in His gracious covenant. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who enables believers to become children of God. In Galatians 4:4-5, Paul writes, "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." This passage highlights the redemptive work of Christ as the means by which believers are adopted into God's family, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs. Romans 8:15-17 further elaborates on this adoption: "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!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." Here, the apostle Paul emphasizes the intimate relationship believers have with God as their Father, a relationship made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Theological Implications Adoption according to promise carries significant theological implications. It affirms the believer's identity as a child of God, secured not by works but by faith in Christ and the promises of God. This adoption grants believers the rights and privileges of heirs, including the assurance of eternal life and the inheritance of God's kingdom. Ephesians 1:5-6 states, "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One." Practical Outworking The reality of adoption calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their status as children of God. It encourages a life of holiness, reflecting the character of their heavenly Father. 1 John 3:1-2 reminds believers of their identity and future hope: "Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." In summary, adoption according to promise is a central theme in Scripture, revealing the depth of God's love and the fulfillment of His covenantal promises through Jesus Christ. It assures believers of their place in God's family and calls them to live in the light of this transformative relationship. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 9:8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 3:29 Library On the Church of the Old Testament, or under the Promise Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry Adoption Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. (On the Passion, xii. : Preached on Wednesday. ) How the Promise of an Hundredfold in this Life is Made to those ... The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ... Third Proposition of Arminius God's Will and Man's Will Galatians Chapter iii. 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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