It’s one of the most wonderful acts of giving and loving that takes place in the human race.  It’s called “adoption.”  Taking a person…a child…who was in no way connected to one’s family…into one’s family permanently and legally…completely, in every way…and loving a caring for that person as one’s very own.  The concept comes from God.  It’s what He does for all those who were formerly slaves to sin, but who trust in, and accept, His Son, Jesus, as God and Savior from sin.  He adopts them into His family, eternally, and makes them joint-heirs with His Son in every way…by His grace…through faith in Him alone.  That’s amazing love! That’s amazing grace!  That’s adoption…full and free!

Romans 8:14-17

14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

Galatians 4:4-7

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

Properly understood, adoption is one of the most precious, heartwarming, and practical of all our theological beliefs… [It] focuses our attention on a relational image and points us to the joy and assurance that comes from receiving a Father who loves us and a Family with whom we can enjoy our new freedom in Christ. ~ Iain Duguid

The Lord bless you and keep you…

Pastor Dave