Adoption

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
The word occurs in Rom. 8:15, 23; 9:415For 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)
23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23)
4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; (Romans 9:4); Gal. 4:55To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5); Eph. 1:55Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephesians 1:5), only—SONSHIP, or the PLACE OF A SON. This word is once collectively applied to Israel, Rom. 9:44Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; (Romans 9:4) (comp. Hos. 11:11When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. (Hosea 11:1)); individually, and as a present title, it is solely applied to Christians. In the future it belongs to all children of the resurrection (Luke 20:3636Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36)). The word implies marked love and preference. It is connected with the possession of the Holy Ghost, and is enjoyed by faith now, though the display of it is future. It is a privilege beyond that of “children,” which belongs to all saints, and is a question of the new birth, whereas “adoption” is only spoken of after the cross and the descent of the Holy Ghost. Thus an Old Testament saint was born again (John 3:1010Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? (John 3:10)); a Christian in addition has the place of a son. In the East many are children who are not sons. Keturah’s family were Abraham’s children, but Isaac alone was his son.