Perspective

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” –Romans 8:15-18

     As Tiffany and I have embarked on this journey of adding to our family through adoption we have grown in our understanding of adoption. Much of this growth has come through our study of Scriptures as the doctrine of adoption is so clearly taught by Paul. Paul specifically talks about adoption in Romans, Galatians, Ephesians and this truth implied on numerous occasions as the church is so often called the family of God.
Paul uses this illustration which was commonly understood by Gentiles. This better communicated the Gentiles newfound identity in Christ. According to Roman law, the person who was adopted into a particular family gained all legal rights of a “biological” son. These rights allowed the child to be an heir, gaining a new identity and inheritance. In addition, the Roman law stated that the old “life” was completely wiped clean. Paul uses this illustration to describe our new found identity in Christ. Although there are many practical applications to this truth, the theological implications are profound. Each one who has placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior has been adopted into the family of God.

     Through this adoption one can now cry out, “Abba, Father.” Not only do we gain a new
identity in Christ being called sons and daughters; we lose the baggage of our sinful past.
This is what Paul meant in writing, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This is done through
the cleansing act of the cross. The debt of sin has been paid in full, allowing the sinner to be
justified. What a joy to know that we have been adopted by God and can approach the
Creator of this universe calling Him Father.