Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, adoption is a profound spiritual metaphor that illustrates the believer's transition from an old identity to a new one in Christ. This transformation is often symbolized by the conferring of a new name, signifying a change in status, identity, and relationship with God.Old Testament Context While the concept of adoption as understood in the New Testament is not explicitly detailed in the Old Testament, the idea of receiving a new name is present. For instance, Abram's name was changed to Abraham, and Jacob's to Israel, each reflecting a new covenantal relationship with God and a new role in His divine plan (Genesis 17:5, 32:28). These name changes signify a transformation and a new identity bestowed by God. New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates the doctrine of spiritual adoption, emphasizing the believer's new identity in Christ. 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, akin to that of a child with a loving parent. Galatians 4:4-5 further 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." Through Christ, believers are adopted into God's family, receiving a new identity and the rights of heirs. Conferring a New Name The conferring of a new name upon adoption is a powerful symbol of this transformation. Revelation 2:17 promises, "To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it." This new name signifies the unique and personal relationship each believer has with God, marking their new identity in Christ. Spiritual Implications Adoption into God's family confers not only a new name but also a new nature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is comprehensive, affecting the believer's status, identity, and destiny. The new name symbolizes the believer's break from the past and the beginning of a new life characterized by righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 exhorts believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Conclusion The biblical concept of adoption, with its conferring of a new name, underscores the transformative power of God's grace. It reflects the believer's new identity and status as a child of God, highlighting the intimate and personal relationship established through faith in Jesus Christ. This new identity is both a privilege and a calling, inviting believers to live in accordance with their new nature and to reflect the character of their Heavenly Father. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 6:27And they shall put my name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 62:2 Acts 15:17 Library Adoption They Shall be Called the Children of God Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined. On Christian Liberty The Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It. Justifying or Sanctifying Grace The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ... The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards. Resources What is the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible have to say about gay adoption? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about adoption? | 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 |
    |