Spiritual Adoption

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.  Romans 8:15

Once God really began to lead us into the adoption process, I wanted to look into His Word concerning adoption.  Now…..I am by far – not even remotely – a Biblical scholar, but I did come to a peace in my mind about how adoption as we know it compares to our spiritual adoption.  I am very excited about both concepts of adoption!!  I want to share some of this with you now.

We know adoption as bringing a non-family member into the family through the adoption process.  This is not quite in line with the Biblical concept of adoption.  Adoption in the Bible is a confirmation of adulthood that comes with privileges and inheritance.  The word adoption is from the Greek word huiothesia which means – Huios (sons) and Tithemi (to place, appoint, commit; to place as sons).  In Genesis 48:4-6 we see this concept through Jacob “placing as sons” Joseph’s (Jacob’s son) two sons, Reuben and Simeon.  Jacob adopted them as his sons so they may receive an inheritance in the promise land.  Reuben and Simeon were already part of the family, but they needed this adoption in order for them to be placed as joint-heirs with Jacob’s other sons.

In the New Testament Paul uses the word adoption to describe what happens spiritually when we become children of God.  The spiritual use of the word “adoption” signifies the placing of a newborn child, in the spiritual sense, into the position of privilege and responsibility attached to an adult son.  We are not adopted into the family of God; however, we are born-again into the family of God.  In John 3 Jesus talks with Nicodemus and tells him that no one can see the Kingdom of Heaven unless he is born again…..born of water and the Spirit.  So, we are “born-again” into the family of God, but our adoption happens simultaneously.  We are “placed as sons” at the time we are “born-again.”  Some people may understand this terminology better – we are saved when we accept by faith that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and resurrected from the dead three days later in order for us to be reconciled to our God.  At this same time we are justified as His precious children.

Salvation……Born-again – Justification….. Adoption

All believers become adopted (placed) as sons at salvation (new birth).  Because we are in union with Christ, we are joint-heirs with Christ.  This is the privilege and inheritance of the adoption.  We are promised victory over death and an everlasting life with our Lord and Savior!  Our adoption process is complete when we physically die and our spirit and soul enter the visible presence of God.  Wow!  God IS an awesome God!

Here are some New Testament references (KJV) to our spiritual adoption –

Romans 8 (This is one of my favorite Chapters in scripture!)

Romans 9 (Verse 4 specifically mentions the word adoption.)

Galatians 4 (Verse 5 - Wonderful!)

Ephesians 1:5 (We, as sons of God, are predestined to everlasting life!)

I want to say one last thing on this page.  If you do not know my Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, then please, meet Him now.  For today is the day unto salvation!  (2 Corinthians 6:2 )  We are not promised tomorrow or even another minute on this earth.  We were created for a relationship with our Heavenly Father and He desires to spend eternity with us in Heaven.

Prayer of Salvation

This prayer is an example of what a "Prayer of Salvation" is.  The words of the prayer do not save you, but your belief and faith of the words. 
 

"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

Prayer of Salvation - I've Prayed It; Now What?
If you've prayed this prayer of salvation with true conviction and heart, you are now a follower of Jesus. This is a fact, whether or not you feel any different. Religious systems may have led you to believe that you should feel something - a warm glow, a tingle, or some other mystical experience. The fact is, you may, or you may not. If you have prayed the prayer of salvation and meant it, you are now a follower of Jesus. The Bible tells us "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

Welcome to the family of God! We encourage you now to find a local church where you can be baptized and grow in the grace and knowledge of God through His Word, the Bible.

God Bless You!