It is a powerful and emotive image that is used repeatedly across the Bible. Discover how your status has been changed from orphan to adopted.
We’re continuing our journey of discovering “who we are” by reflecting on “whose we are.” We can’t know ourselves without knowing God. In today’s passage, the Apostle Paul teaches the Roman church that they are children of God The Book of Romans is Paul’s crown jewel of New Testament writings. He writes to the Church in Rome and covers a variety of theological and doctrinal considerations. Written around AD 57, scholars believe one of Paul’s key purposes in writing Romans was to help a divided church find peace and unity within itself. To achieve this, Paul argues, the church needed a deeper understanding of the true Gospel. Let’s study this beautiful passage together.
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:14-17
We’ll now take a closer look at this passage. Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow once said: “When your identity is found in Christ, your identity never changes. You are always a child of God.” Tebow had grasped the truth that changes everything. Knowing you’re in God’s family is the most unshakeable identity marker you can have on this planet. It beats anything this volatile world has to offer. And it’s true for you today! You are a loved and chosen child of God; you’re completely secure in Him.
I once heard a story about a couple adopting a baby boy. The boy’s new father described part of their journey like this: “I remember standing in front of the judge on our day of adoption. He pointed his finger and asked me, “Is anyone coercing you to adopt this little boy?” After we had assured him that we were doing so out of love for our son, he made this statement. “From today on, he is your son. He may disappoint you or even grieve you, but he is your son. Everything you own one day will be his, and he will bear your name.” Then he looked to the clerk and gave this command. “Order a change in this child’s birth certificate, and may it reflect that these are the parents of this child." It was then that I realised that my Heavenly Father loved me so much that, without coercion, He loved me and gave His all to me. On that day, He changed my name, and I gladly bear His name and His image.”
Adoption is a powerful and emotive image. In fact, its and image thats used repeatedly across the Bible. However, this is intentional. In fact, scripture is making a profound and personal point. Through God’s Spirit, you have been adopted into God’s family. Your status has been eternally and irreversibly upgraded. You can call God your Father. He has chosen you with all love and no coercion.
Theologian J.I. Packer, in his book, “Knowing God" said it beautifully when he taught that adoption “is the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification.” It’s one thing for God the Father to forgive sinners. It’s entirely another to adopt them into his family. Yet, this is what the Bible teaches. We are not merely forgiven. We are invited into God’s family as his children. And, as Paul says, “if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” This truth is so extraordinary that it’s sometimes difficult to comprehend. But today, we’re here to embrace it.
Did you know that you are God’s beloved, chosen child? Take a moment right now to meditate on that incredible reality. You have been adopted into His family. You bear His name and His image. You’re passionately wanted and profoundly loved. Through God’s Spirit, you can cry out “Abba, Father,” and He will hear you. How does this make you feel? Allow your meditations to lead you into a time of reflective prayer.
“Abba, Father, thank you for loving me so much that you have adopted me into your family. You have not just forgiven me, but you’ve also restored me. You’ve called me by name and made me your child. With you, I have nothing to fear. I’m loved. I’m secure. I belong with you. Would you help me know this truth in the depths of my heart? May I live from it; may I hold to it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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