Adoption

ADOPTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:  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." –

Supporting Texts:

Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 4:4-7, John 1:12, 1 John 3:1, 2 Corinthians 6:18

INTRODUCTION

Adoption is a powerful biblical concept that describes how believers are brought into God’s family. It is a divine act of grace where God, through Jesus Christ, makes us His children and grants us the privileges of sonship. Unlike natural birth, adoption signifies a deliberate choice by God to bring us into a new relationship with Him, giving us rights and inheritance as His own children.

In the Roman culture of Paul’s time, adoption was a legal process where a child, often an orphan or slave, was given a new identity, status, and inheritance in a wealthy family. Paul used this imagery to illustrate how God has redeemed us from slavery to sin and made us His beloved children. Through Christ, we are no longer strangers but members of God’s household, with full access to His blessings and eternal inheritance.

Understanding spiritual adoption transforms our perspective on God’s love and our identity. It assures us that we belong to God, have an eternal inheritance, and can boldly approach Him as our Father. In this study, we will explore the meaning, process, privileges, and responsibilities of being adopted into God's family.

1. THE MEANING OF ADOPTION

a) Adoption is God’s act of making us His children (Ephesians 1:5)

God predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ.

b) It is a transformation from slavery to sonship (Galatians 4:4-7)

We are no longer slaves but sons and heirs of God.

c) It grants us the right to call God “Father” (Romans 8:15)

The Spirit of adoption enables us to cry, “Abba, Father.”

d) It is based on faith in Christ, not human effort (John 1:12-13)

Those who believe in Jesus receive the right to become children of God.

e) Biblical Example: Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:6-7)

David adopted Mephibosheth into his royal family, showing God’s grace.

2. THE PROCESS OF ADOPTION

a) It begins with redemption through Christ (Galatians 4:5)

Jesus redeemed us so that we might receive adoption.

b) The Holy Spirit confirms our adoption (Romans 8:16)

The Spirit bears witness that we are God’s children.

c) It grants us a new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We are made new creations, belonging to God’s family.

d) We are sealed with the Holy Spirit as God’s children (Ephesians 1:13-14)

The Holy Spirit guarantees our eternal inheritance.

e) Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 2:7, 17)

Esther was adopted by Mordecai and later became the queen, symbolising divine adoption.

3. THE PRIVILEGES OF ADOPTION

a) We have access to God as our Father (Ephesians 2:18)

Through Christ, we can boldly approach God.

b) We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)

We share in Christ’s inheritance and reign with Him.

c) We are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1)

As God’s children, we are free from condemnation.

d) We receive divine protection and provision (Matthew 6:31-32)

Our Father supplies all our needs.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20-24)

Despite his failures, the father fully restored him as a son.

4. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADOPTION

a) We must walk in obedience to God (1 Peter 1:14-16)

As God’s children, we are called to holiness.

b) We must live in love and unity (1 John 4:7-8)

God’s children reflect His love to the world.

c) We must represent our Father well (Matthew 5:16)

Our lives should glorify God before others.

d) We must trust God in all circumstances (Romans 8:28)

As our Father, He works all things for our good.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (John 5:19-20)

Jesus lived in perfect obedience to the Father, showing us how to live as God’s children.

CONCLUSION

Adoption is one of the greatest expressions of God’s love. Through Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but beloved children of God, with full rights and inheritance in His kingdom. This truth should fill us with confidence, joy, and gratitude, knowing that our identity is secure in Him.

As adopted children of God, we must live in obedience, holiness, and love, reflecting the nature of our heavenly Father. Let us embrace our divine adoption and walk in the privileges and responsibilities that come with being sons and daughters of the Most High.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, thank You for adopting me into Your family through Christ.

2. Father, help me to walk in the full privileges of my adoption.

3. Holy Spirit, bear witness in my heart that I am truly a child of God.

4. Lord, help me to live in obedience and holiness as Your child.

5. Father, let me never lose my identity as Your beloved son/daughter.