Being MadeChildren of God

Introduction: Ancient adoption

vs. Modern adoption

Adoption is a UNIQUE aspect

of salvation

Definition of Adoption:

to be recognized by GOD as an

adult son/daughter at conversion.

From Greek word Huiothesia -

meaning to adopt an adult son

Historical and cultural basis

Biblical adoption in Roman culture

A Roman custom of the aristocracy to

select a capable HEIR to pass on the family name and care for the

land, wealth, etc. and to promote a strong society!

Usually done when a child was

12 years old

It could be a natural born child or anyone deemed worthy, no

matter their RANK at birth or handicaps or

failures.

What counted was ABILITY and

potential

The ceremony of Adrogatio

The birth father would symbolically SELL and BUY back his son two times,

but after selling him a third time, would not buy him back.

This symbolized the breaking of

authority and PARENTAL rights of

the birth father.

The adopting father went to a magistrate

and presented the legal case for transference of

the rights of the son from his birth father to the adoptive father.

At that point the child had all the

rights and privileges of a NATURAL-born

son.

The ceremony conferred full-

adulthood on a child adopted as the HEIR.

At adoption, your old life was

gone forever!

The ceremony proclaiming the heir was LAW and could not be changed.

Biblical doctrine of adoption

Adoption strictly applies only to the

CHURCH age.

ALL Believers at the point of salvation

are legally adopted sons of God and

heirs of his kingdom.

God CHOOSES us and legally changes

our STATUS. (Ephe. 1:3-5: John 1:13-14)

Both male and female believers

We are adopted by God's GRACE and

because of the work of Christ on the

CROSS for us

Our adoption is accomplished

through FAITH in Christ and by the BAPTISM of the

Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:26; Jn. 3:5,6)

All the blessings and happiness you will ever have in time and eternity are

based on our ADOPTION.

Privileges of adoption

1. You can speak to and relate to God

as FATHER. (Rom. 8:14)

2. We are royal heirs of God & joint-heirs

with CHRIST, with all the rights, power

and authority (Gal. 4:7)

3. We now have a plan and PURPOSE

for our life

4. God' Fatherly guidance and gifts

5. One’s old life was gone at adoption;

he was considered a new person!

6. God ADOPTED us as His beloved

children (Heb. 12:5-10)

7. We have the privilege of sharing

in Christ's SUFFERING. (Rom. 8:17)

8. We are part of a worldwide

FAMILY of believers-

our brothers and sisters in Christ.

9. We have the HOPE

of sharing in His eternal glory and

INHERITANCE(Rom. 8:15-16; Eph. 1:11; 1

Pet. 1:3)

As God's children we love to IMITATE his nature (Matt. 5:44-45,48; Gal. 4:6) and GLORIFY Him. (Matt.

6:1)

If we fail to BELIEVE this privilege or to

be properly APPRECIATE it, we

will never enjoy the benefits of adoption.

We must learn to think in terms of our new position

of privilege!