Spirit of Adoption

The apostle John exclaimed in his first letter, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Those who are children by physical adoption in this life are indeed quite blessed, to be translated from orphan to heir. Those who are adopted into the family of God through Christ Jesus, however, are blessed both in this life and in the next. The New Testament church is endowed with a spirit of adoption, by which Christ claims obedient believers as his children, far beyond mere creation, but through reclamation.

I. Abba Father

A. Adoption

Adoption is an incredibly selfless and sacrificial act, by which someone takes on the responsibility for children that he or she has not sired or borne. There are financial, social, spiritual, moral, and personal considerations that all add up to taking in a person to one’s family, with all the attendant responsibilities and commitments. Adoptions give children a chance at a new life, at finding love and support and companionship that would otherwise be missing, and which could prove fatal. Men and women who adopt children can surely understand a bit of what it means for God to look upon humanity with pity and offer to adopt any who would believe and exercise their right to become children of God.

B. The Childhood of Moses (Exodus 2:10)

C. Faithful in His House (Hebrews 3:1-6)

D. Christians Are Adoptees (John 1:6-13)

II. Waiting For the Adoption

A. Moses 
(Hebrews 11:23-26)

B. Every Spiritual Blessing (Ephesians 1:3-6)

C. The Father’s house
(John 14:1-6)

D. Heirs according to promise

Conclusion

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). That only happens through adoption, and that only happens through conversion.