Adoption

In and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, God has graciously granted the gift of adoption to all those who are justified.¹ By this, they are numbered with and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God.² They have his name put upon them,³ receive the Spirit of adoption,⁴ and have access to the throne of grace with boldness.⁵ They are enabled to cry, “Abba, Father.”⁶ They are pitied,⁷ protected,⁸ provided for,⁹ and disciplined¹⁰ by him as by a father. They are never cast off¹¹ but sealed to the day of redemption¹² and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.¹³

1. Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.  Galatians 4:4–5 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ↩︎
2. John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Romans 8:17 If [we are] children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. ↩︎
3. 2 Corinthians 6:18 “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Revelation 3:12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. ↩︎
4. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” ↩︎
5. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ↩︎
6. Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ↩︎
7. Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. ↩︎
8. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. 1 Peter 5:7  Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ↩︎
9. Matthew 7:9-11 “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” ↩︎
10. Hebrews 12:6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”  Isaiah 54:8–9 In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer. “This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you. ↩︎
11. Lamentations 3:31 For the Lord will not cast off forever. ↩︎
12. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ↩︎
13. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?  Hebrews 6:11–12 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. ↩︎