Adoption by God
Definition
“Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, 34)
Summary
The word “adoption” (Greek, huiothesia) appears only five times in Scripture, but rooted in the purpose of God and prefigured in the Old Testament, the theme gets woven into the fabric of New Testament theology—in particular the writings of the Apostle Paul. With notable connections both to justification and to sanctification, the meaning of adoption exceeds the boundaries of both. A term both of privilege and identity, adoption introduces superlative components of what Jesus provides in salvation and expresses who it is that enjoys those blessings.
Articles
Adopted by the Living God
I can hardly think of anything more comforting, more nourishing, more uplifting than the glorious truth that when we trust in Christ, we are made into the sons and daughters of the Creator God.
Delighting in the Greater Adoption
I was rescued from a life void of love and care and freely given a new life beyond my wildest dreams.
First Comes Love, Then Comes Adoption
Not everyone is called to foster or adopt. But as those forever adopted into God's family, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful picture of God’s rescuing love.
Hello, I Love You
The process of adoption is a powerful expression of the inheritance Christians have as adopted sons and daughters.
The Seduction of the World and the Spirit of Adoption
The world may promise us a good life in the moment but God reminds us in Romans 8 that adoption into His kingdom is the promise for an eternally good life.
