Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Adoption

Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:5)

Many people, without thinking much about it, make a wide distinction between adopted children and “real” children, as though the adjective “adopted” signifies a different, slightly lesser status within the family.

This is because adoption is a biblical concept that explains a key aspect of what has happened to believers in the reconciling work of God in Christ Jesus.

The Reality is, we are all orphans, disconnected to our Creator, apart from Christ…Think on this: Apart from God, the world is one big orphanage.

• As an orphan you miss the greatness of not only who you are, but Who God is.

It is easy to overlook this critical concept.

When you accept Christ as Lord and Savior, you are accepted into the family of God.

• Reestablishing your claim as His child.

• Claim on everything (rightful heir).

Reconciliation: the process.

Adoption: the result.

A biblical understanding of adoption unveils for us something about:

• Our identity in Christ.

• Our inheritance in Christ.

• Our mission with Christ.

Your inheritance in Christ includes: “a new LIFE, a new HOME, a new FATHER.”

• Assurance: Promise, oath, declaration and guarantee.

God adopts people who are completely unworthy because He adopts based on His grace.

Adoption ought to be one of the clearest and most suggestive images in our vocabulary.

• It’s not a lesser than…it is the greatest then.

Now claimed, included and purposed.

Adopted in Christ.

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.”