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 and become brethren of Christ. This spiritual adoption is a profound aspect of the Christian faith, highlighting the transformation from being estranged from God to becoming His beloved children and co-heirs with Christ.Biblical Foundation The concept of adoption is rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul extensively discusses this transformative relationship. In Romans 8:15-17 , 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!' 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." This passage emphasizes that through the Holy Spirit, believers are not only freed from fear and bondage but are also given the intimate privilege of calling God "Abba, Father." This new identity as God's children is further solidified by the Spirit's testimony, affirming the believer's status as heirs alongside Christ. Union with Christ The adoption of believers as God's children is intrinsically linked to their union with Christ. In Galatians 3:26-29 , Paul states, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." Through faith and baptism into Christ, believers are united with Him, transcending all earthly distinctions and becoming one in Him. This unity with Christ is the basis for their adoption as sons and daughters of God, making them part of the spiritual lineage of Abraham and heirs to the promises of God. Brethren of Christ The adoption of believers as God's children also establishes them as brethren of Christ. Hebrews 2:11-12 declares, "Both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says: 'I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.'" This passage reveals the intimate relationship between Christ and believers, underscoring that Jesus, the sanctifier, and the sanctified believers share the same family. Christ's willingness to call believers His brothers signifies the depth of this familial bond, rooted in the shared sanctification and divine adoption. Inheritance and Co-heirship As adopted children of God and brethren of Christ, believers are granted an inheritance that is both spiritual and eternal. Ephesians 1:5-6 explains, "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." This predestined adoption is a testament to God's sovereign will and grace, bestowing upon believers the status of sons and daughters with an inheritance in Christ. As co-heirs with Christ, believers are promised a share in the eternal glory and blessings of God's kingdom, a promise that is both a present reality and a future hope. Conclusion The doctrine of adoption is a central tenet of the Christian faith, encapsulating the transformative journey from alienation to intimate fellowship with God. Through adoption, believers are not only reconciled to God but are also elevated to the status of His children and brethren of Christ, sharing in the divine inheritance and the eternal promises of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 20:17Jesus said to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brothers, and say to them, I ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 2:11,12 Library Adoption Christ, to Perform the Office of Mediator, Behoved to Become Man. Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Marks of the New Birth The Condescension of Christ Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion The Fourfold Treasure The Recipient of Prayer in Its Four Moods 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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