Christians Are Adopted
Those fully obedient to God's will are His children. What a wonderful fact to contemplate. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are." (I John 3:1) To those who receive the Christ and believe on His name power is given to become God's sons. (John 1:12.)
In what manner are we made His children? Paul speaks of our receiving the "adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So that thou art no longer a bondservant but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." (Gal. 4:5-7.) He thanked God with the Ephesians that Christians were "foreordained unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (Eph. 1:5)
Yes, we are adopted as sons of God. The glorious privilege of this adoption overwhelms us. The all-wise Creator of this vast universe is our Heavenly Father. "And I will be to you a Father and ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (H Cor. 6:18) Thoughts and words cannot express the depth of God's love for His children. This is why "ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him." (Rom. 8:15-17)
Christians are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. What thought surpasses this in arousing joyful anticipation?
Adopted by God. Have you been?
1309 Chase St, Novato, Cat