Topical Bible: Adoption is by Faith

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Introduction

The concept of adoption in the Christian faith is a profound theological truth that signifies the believer's transition from being outside the family of God to becoming His child. This transformation is not based on human merit or works but is received through faith in Jesus Christ. The doctrine of adoption highlights the grace and love of God, who chooses to bring believers into His family, granting them the rights and privileges of children.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a clear foundation for the doctrine of adoption, emphasizing that it is through faith that believers become children of God. In the Gospel of John, it is written, "Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). This passage underscores the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ as the means by which individuals are granted the status of God's children.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Galatians 3:26, Paul states, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" . Here, Paul affirms that faith is the key to entering into a filial relationship with God. This adoption is not a natural birthright but a spiritual transformation made possible through faith.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's adoption. 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!'" . The Spirit confirms the believer's status as a child of God, providing assurance and intimacy with the Father. This relationship is characterized by a deep, personal connection, as believers are invited to address God with the affectionate term "Abba."

Inheritance and Privileges

Adoption into God's family comes with significant privileges and an eternal inheritance. Paul explains in Romans 8:17, "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" . As adopted children, believers are granted the promise of sharing in Christ's glory and receiving an inheritance that is imperishable.

Transformation and Identity

Adoption by faith also brings about a transformation in identity. Believers are no longer defined by their past or their status in the world but are given a new identity as children of God. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" . This new identity is rooted in the believer's relationship with God and is marked by a life that reflects His character and values.

Conclusion

The doctrine of adoption by faith is a testament to the grace and love of God, who invites all who believe in Jesus Christ to become His children. Through faith, believers are transformed, given a new identity, and granted the privileges of being part of God's family. This adoption is a central aspect of the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance of an eternal inheritance with Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 3:7,26
Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... THE DOCTRINES OF SALVATION A. REPENTANCE. B. FAITH. C. REGENERATION. D. JUSTIFICATION.
E. ADOPTION. F. SANCTIFICATION. G. PRAYER. THE DOCTRINES OF SALVATION. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Adoption
... Faith interests us in the privilege of adoption. Ye are ... inherit. Why is faith
the instrument of adoption more than any other grace? Faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry
... Thus, then, according to the teaching of the passage, we receive adoption by faith
as the gift of grace. Again, adoption comes to us by redemption. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/adoptionthe spirit and the cry.htm

The Declaration of Faith of the Reformed Church in France. AD 1872 ...
... But the preparation and adoption of a confession of faith is a more difficult
task in the nineteenth century than it was in the sixteenth. ...
/.../ 63 the declaration of.htm

On Faith
... 12. And, indeed, unless the servants of God halt by the way, they will receive the
adoption of sons. They will receive the faith of the children of God, by his ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 106 on faith.htm

Introductory Note
... It was only after candid examination of the current philosophies that he was induced
to become a Christian; and after his adoption of the faith, he kept ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/the works of dionysius/introductory note.htm

The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption.
... often glancing upon the soul; yet neither do these prove a man to be under grace;
to have true, living, Christian faith, unless the Spirit of adoption abide in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 9 the spirit of.htm

First Proposition of Arminius
... (John 1:12.) For they who believe are adopted, not they who are adopted receive
the gift of faith: adoption is prepared for those who shall believe, not faith ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/first proposition of arminius.htm

A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert
... We have said that it was difficult to separate, in the words, the effects
of love to Naomi from those of adoption of Naomi's faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a gentle heroine a gentile.htm

The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
... vow of ministers, ruling elders, and deacons, as set forth in the Form of Government,
requires the reception and adoption of the Confession of Faith only as ...
/.../the presbyterian church in the.htm