Page 117 - TH200 Abundant Life A4 Final

Adoption: An Inheritance from God

the family of God with its provisions and responsibilities. As a result, all
time, possessions, and strength should be subjected to God’s control.
Adoption, then, is the act of God’s grace by which He places as sons and
daughters in His family the ones who receive Jesus Christ and confers
on them all the rights and duties of heirs.

Adoption is an important teaching of the New Testament, even
though it is mentioned in relatively few Scriptures. Since it is so closely
related to regeneration, some people may feel that its discussion is less
important. Nevertheless, adoption is an important teaching of Paul, and
it is one of the most beautiful teachings in the New Testament.

Notice how Paul contrasted adoption with being a slave to fear
(Romans 8:15–16). He also contrasted adoption on the one hand with
the groaning of creation and our own expectation of the redemption
of our bodies on the other (Romans 8:20–23). In Romans 9:4–12, he
contrasted God’s adopted ones with those who are not His adopted
people. Then in Galatians 4:3–7, he contrasted the liberty of adoption
with bondage under the Law. Finally in Ephesians 1:5–7, he contrasted
the exceeding richness of adoption with our former life of sin.

We note that in Romans 9:4 Paul referred to Israel’s relation to God
as one of adoption. From the order in which he places adoption here, we
see that all the blessings flowed from Israel’s special relationship with
the Lord. The specific reference here is to the nation of Israel. But in
view of the New Testament teaching that the church is the true Israel, it
is fitting for us to see similar principles of operation in each.

In a sense, then, our special relationship with God is the basis on which
we receive all the blessings He bestows. What good thing will He refuse His
children? (Psalm 84:11). Paul responds, “He who did not spare his own Son,
but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously
give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). And while we may not always know
what is best for us, God works only for the good of those who love Him—
those whom He has adopted (Romans 8:28). However, the blessings we
receive are not ours as a result of earning them. As God’s adopted children,
all our efforts are unworthy of the great love He has demonstrated in
bringing us into His family and adopting us. Moreover, the benefits of the
relation continue as our Heavenly Father ministers to our needs.

::: 109 :::