Day 198

Of Adoption.

Chapter 12.

“All those that are justified, God vouchsafed, in, and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the Grace of Adoption; by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the Liberties, and Privileges of Children of God;…”

Scripture Lookup

Ephesians 1:5

Galatians 4:4,5

John 1:12

Romans 8:17

Reflection

All those that are justified are also adopted. We could have been declared righteous, and then left to go about our business, never counted as sons of God, never enjoying the benefits that come with such a title. Because of Christ, however, we are brought into the family of God. What does adoption mean?

To be adopted implies that there was a time when we were not adopted. This is certainly true: before regeneration, we were by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). Adam was God’s son when he was created, but that status was revoked when he fell. Since all of humanity fell with him, they can no longer can be called “sons of God”. All people are made in God’s image, and all are created by God, but they are not God’s children. That right belongs solely to the elect.

In the adoption of sons and daughters [God] restores for himself that glory of the image of his Son which was marred and shattered at the Fall.

-Sinclair Ferguson, The Christian Life

Because of Jesus Christ, God graciously granted that the elect receive the blessing of adoption. Male and female, young and old, are all granted the title of being “sons”. Our status is changed from being children of wrath to being children of God, and we receive all the liberties and privileges that contains. There is no trial period – to enter into the number of God’s children means that you will never be cast away.

Questions to Consider

• How does being adopted by God affect your life right now?