Embracing Our Identity: The Doctrine of Adoption

 

Summary

In our exploration of the doctrine of adoption, we delve into one of the most comforting and encouraging truths of the Christian faith. Adoption, as presented in the Scriptures, is a profound act of God where He bestows upon us the status of sons and daughters. This is not merely a metaphorical concept but a judicial act by which God confers upon us the standing of being His children. This doctrine is distinct from justification and regeneration, yet it encompasses elements of both. Justification declares us righteous, and regeneration imparts a new nature, but adoption goes further by placing us in a familial relationship with God, granting us the privileges and responsibilities of being His children.

The term "son" in Scripture is used in various contexts, but when it refers to believers, it signifies a special relationship established through divine adoption. This is not a universal condition for all humanity but a specific status for those who have faith in Jesus Christ. The notion of the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man is a misunderstanding of the biblical teaching. Instead, the Scriptures make a clear distinction between those who are God's children through faith and those who are not.

Adoption brings with it several profound implications. It assures us of our inheritance as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. It provides us with the spirit of adoption, allowing us to cry out "Abba, Father," and it assures us of God's protection, provision, and even His loving discipline. This doctrine reminds us of our secure and eternal inheritance, which is incorruptible and reserved in heaven for us. It is a tragedy that this doctrine is often neglected, as it directly affirms our relationship with God and the indescribable glory for which we are destined.

Key Takeaways:

- Adoption as a Judicial Act: Adoption is a distinct judicial act of God, conferring upon us the status of sons and daughters. It is not merely a part of justification or regeneration but a unique declaration of our new relationship with God. This act assures us of our standing in God's family and the privileges that come with it. [23:39]

- Distinction from Universal Fatherhood: The doctrine of adoption refutes the idea of the universal fatherhood of God. While God is the creator of all, only those who have faith in Christ are His children in the redemptive sense. This distinction is crucial for understanding our unique relationship with God as believers. [16:04]

- Privileges of Adoption: Being adopted into God's family grants us the privilege of calling Him "Abba, Father," and assures us of His protection, provision, and discipline. These privileges are a testament to our secure and eternal inheritance as heirs of God. [39:58]

- Security of Our Inheritance: Our adoption guarantees a secure and incorruptible inheritance, reserved in heaven. This assurance is rooted in God's unchanging love and His eternal purpose for us as His children. [43:55]

- Living as Sons of God: Understanding our adoption should transform how we live, reflecting our identity as God's children. It calls us to live in the world as representatives of His family, embracing the responsibilities and privileges of our divine adoption. [47:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to the Doctrine of Adoption
- [01:15] - The Order of Redemption
- [02:56] - The Comfort of Adoption
- [04:09] - Scriptural References to Adoption
- [06:39] - Definition and Meaning of Adoption
- [07:34] - The Term "Son" in Scripture
- [10:57] - General and Special Use of "Sons"
- [13:05] - Refuting Universal Fatherhood
- [17:14] - Distinction in the New Testament
- [21:20] - Our Sonship vs. Christ's Sonship
- [23:23] - Adoption as a Judicial Act
- [27:13] - Misconceptions About Adoption
- [37:24] - Proofs of Adoption
- [39:58] - Results of Adoption
- [43:55] - Security of Our Inheritance
- [47:48] - Living as Sons of God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of Adoption

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:15 - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
2. Galatians 4:5 - "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
3. Ephesians 1:5 - "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will."

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 8:15, what does Paul mean by "the Spirit of adoption"? How does this contrast with the "spirit of bondage"? [04:55]

2. According to Galatians 4:5, what is the purpose of God sending His Son, and how does it relate to the concept of adoption? [06:03]

3. How does Ephesians 1:5 describe the process and purpose of adoption in God's plan? What does it reveal about God's intentions? [06:19]

4. In the sermon, what distinction is made between the universal fatherhood of God and the specific fatherhood experienced through adoption? [16:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of adoption as a "judicial act" of God enhance our understanding of our relationship with Him? What implications does this have for believers? [23:39]

2. What does it mean to be "heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ" as mentioned in the sermon? How does this affect a believer's perspective on their spiritual inheritance? [43:24]

3. The sermon mentions the privilege of calling God "Abba, Father." How does this intimate term shape a believer's prayer life and relationship with God? [39:58]

4. How does the sermon address the misconception of the universal brotherhood of man in relation to the doctrine of adoption? What is the significance of this distinction? [13:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: How does understanding your adoption as a child of God influence your daily interactions and decisions? [47:48]

2. The sermon emphasizes the security of our inheritance. How can this assurance impact the way you handle challenges and uncertainties in life? [43:55]

3. In what ways can you embrace the responsibilities and privileges of being a child of God in your community and church? [47:48]

4. Consider the notion of calling God "Abba, Father." How can you cultivate a more intimate and personal prayer life with this understanding? [39:58]

5. The sermon challenges the idea of the universal fatherhood of God. How can you share the distinct message of adoption through faith in Christ with others who may hold this misconception? [16:04]

6. How can the understanding of being "joint heirs with Christ" motivate you to live a life that reflects your identity as a child of God? [43:24]

7. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. How does the doctrine of adoption reassure you of your place in God's family, and how can you use this truth to draw closer to Him? [23:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Adoption as a Divine Judicial Act
Adoption is a distinct judicial act of God, conferring upon us the status of sons and daughters. It is not merely a part of justification or regeneration but a unique declaration of our new relationship with God. This act assures us of our standing in God's family and the privileges that come with it. Adoption is a profound expression of God's love, where He chooses to bring us into His family, not because of anything we have done, but because of His grace and mercy. This judicial act is a legal declaration that we are now part of God's family, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with being His children. [23:39]

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV): "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

Reflection: How does understanding adoption as a judicial act change the way you view your relationship with God today? What specific privileges of being God's child can you embrace more fully?


Day 2: Distinction from Universal Fatherhood
The doctrine of adoption refutes the idea of the universal fatherhood of God. While God is the creator of all, only those who have faith in Christ are His children in the redemptive sense. This distinction is crucial for understanding our unique relationship with God as believers. It emphasizes that being a child of God is not a default status for all humanity but a special relationship granted through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding calls us to a deeper appreciation of our faith and the unique position we hold as God's children. [16:04]

John 1:12-13 (ESV): "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your faith in Christ to fully embrace your identity as a child of God, distinct from the universal creation?


Day 3: Privileges of Adoption
Being adopted into God's family grants us the privilege of calling Him "Abba, Father," and assures us of His protection, provision, and discipline. These privileges are a testament to our secure and eternal inheritance as heirs of God. Adoption is not just a change in status but a transformation in relationship, where we can approach God with the intimacy and confidence of a child to a loving parent. This relationship assures us that we are never alone and that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and nurturing us. [39:58]

Romans 8:15-16 (ESV): "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy with God, recognizing Him as your "Abba, Father"? What steps can you take to rely more on His protection and provision?


Day 4: Security of Our Inheritance
Our adoption guarantees a secure and incorruptible inheritance, reserved in heaven. This assurance is rooted in God's unchanging love and His eternal purpose for us as His children. The security of our inheritance is not based on our performance but on God's promise and faithfulness. This eternal perspective encourages us to live with hope and confidence, knowing that our future is secure in God's hands. It reminds us that our true home is with God, and nothing can separate us from His love. [43:55]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: What are some ways you can live with an eternal perspective, focusing on your secure inheritance in heaven rather than temporary earthly concerns?


Day 5: Living as Sons of God
Understanding our adoption should transform how we live, reflecting our identity as God's children. It calls us to live in the world as representatives of His family, embracing the responsibilities and privileges of our divine adoption. As children of God, we are called to reflect His character and love to those around us, living in a way that honors our Father. This involves a commitment to holiness, love, and service, as we seek to be ambassadors of God's kingdom in our daily lives. [47:48]

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Reflection: How can you intentionally live out your identity as a child of God today? What specific actions can you take to represent God's family in your community?

Quotes


Adoption, as presented in the Scriptures, is a profound act of God where He bestows upon us the status of sons and daughters. This is not merely a metaphorical concept but a judicial act by which God confers upon us the standing of being His children. [00:03:14]

Adoption is not the same thing as justification; it isn't even a part of justification. It's quite separate. In justification, you remember, we found that God declares us to be righteous. It's a declaratory act; it's a forensic act. He declares that our sins are forgiven. [00:24:46]

Adoption in a sense is a combination of both those two things together. It is the new creature in his new relationship to God as a son. It's more than justification; it's more than regeneration. It includes them both. [00:25:41]

By adoption, then, we become the sons of God and are introduced into and given the privileges that belong to members of God's family. That's adoption. [00:26:44]

If you have the spirit of adoption, you've lost the spirit of bondage and of fear. Positively, in the second place, you have been given a spirit of liberty. In other words, you're no longer afraid of the law and its condemnation. You're no longer afraid of death. [00:40:00]

We enjoy the present protection and consolation which God alone can give and the provision that he makes for his children. The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Nothing can happen to you apart from him. [00:41:18]

If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. What a wonderful argument and what a pity that I have just to leave it like that. But I've already dealt with it previously, and I trust I shall come back to it. [00:43:16]

If God has adopted you into his family, if you are a child, a son of God, your destiny is secure. It's certain. Things future nor things that are now nor all things below nor above can make him his purpose forgo or sever my soul from his love. [00:44:34]

It's a guarantee. If God has taken me into the family, I'm not only a child and a son, I am an heir, and the inheritance is absolutely certain. Nothing and no one can ever rob me of it. [00:44:57]

Isn't it a tragedy that it's neglected, that men and women stop at forgiveness or even at sanctification and fail to realize that this is the thing that ever reminds us directly of our relationship to God and of the wonderful inheritance, the indescribable glory for which we are destined? [00:45:31]

Saved unto this adoption of children, not merely forgiven, not merely declared righteous, not merely, I say, having this new nature above, beyond, in addition to, declared to be the children of God, sons of God, heirs of God, joint heirs with the only begotten Son of God. [00:46:04]

Enable us to see and to apprehend and to lay hold of this blessed truth that we shall indeed live in this world and before men as the sons of God. [00:47:48]

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Transcript
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