Adoption is a free act of God's grace, in which we are received into the family, and have a right to all the privileges of the children of God.
God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:4-7)
Thoughts: What are the privileges of the children of God? The Larger Catechism in speaking of adoption's benefits says a bit more: " we are received into the number of the children, have his name put upon them, the Spirit and the Son given to them, are under his Fatherly care and dispensations, admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow heirs with Christ in glory." We are accepted, sealed, accompanied by God's presence in our lives, cared for, and have been given a godly inheritance. We are not strangers, and aliens destined for death- but heirs destined for the abundant life now and the eternal life forever. The term "Abba" is described by Chrysostom and Cyril as an Aramaic endearing term similar to "Daddy." Christians are taught that God is not so distant from us that He does not care. Rather God came to adopt us that we might be His children, his heirs. The love of God is an amazing thing. God loves us despite who we are, not because of who we are. He calls us to simply own and claim his adoption.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your great love that shows itself in your offer of adoption. Help me to recognize your love and claim it as my own.
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