Adopted

Can you imagine prospective parents saying, “We’d like to adopt Johnny, but first we want to know a few things. Does he have a house to live in? Does he have money for tuition? Does he have a ride to school every morning and clothes to wear every day? Can he prepare his own meals and mend his own clothes?”

Romans 8:12-17 NKJV
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors-not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. [13] For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. [14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. [15] For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

No agency would stand for such talk. Its representative would lift her hand and say, “Wait a minute. You don’t understand. You don’t adopt Johnny because of what he has; you adopt him because of what he needs. He needs a home.”

The same is true with God. He doesn’t adopt us because of what we have. He doesn’t give us His name because of our wit or wallet or good attitude. . . . adoption is something we receive, not something we earn.

We are welcome in God’s house because we have been adopted by the owner. God has adopted you. God sought you, found you, signed the papers and took you home.

It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but He does more. He gives you His name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but He does more. He takes you home. . . God adopted you simply because He wanted to. You were in His good will and pleasure. Knowing full well the trouble you would be and the price He would pay, He signed His name next to yours and changed your name to His and took you home. Your Abba adopted you and became your Father.

Study Guide

Read Romans 8:12–17.

• How does salvation compare with adoption?

• List some advantages of being God’s child rather than just His creation.

• How has God been like a good father to you?

• How would your life be different if you didn’t belong to God?

• In what ways have you tried to work for your “sonship” rather than just accepting your adoption into God’s family?

• Why do people expect punishment rather than grace when they think about returning to God?

• What is our inheritance as God’s children?

• In what ways do we share our inheritance with Jesus Christ?

• As children of God, how do we share in Christ’s sufferings?