Scripture describes salvation in various ways: We are justified, regenerated, born again! But perhaps most meaningful is adopted. What’s the significance of being adopted into God’s forever family? Let’s see…

An Intentional Contrast: Birth vs. Adoption
· Spiritual Birth (being ‘born again’) emphasizes…
o A work of God (Jn 112-13; James 118)
o Beginning of (eternal) life – as a babe! John 36-7)
o Expected Result: Spiritual growth (1 Peter 22)

· Spiritual Adoption emphasizes…
o A choice of God (a voluntary act!)
§ Determined in eternity past (Eph 15)
§ Price paid in full – we’re redeemed! (Gal 45)

o Joining a new family – as an adult
§ Old family ties are completely severed (Gal 45)
§ Joining a family to which we don’t naturally belong!

o Expected Result: New rights and responsibilities!
§ Full membership and an eternal inheritance
§ Full access and intimate fellowship (Rom 815)

Signed, Sealed…but not yet Delivered!
o Israel was adopted; final redemption awaits! (Rom 94)

o We’ve been adopted; full realization awaits! (Rom 823)


The Son of God became the Son of Man, so that the children of men could become children of God!

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