The Gospel (Lesson 9)
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"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
–John 1:12
The gospel is a promise of adoption.
Adoption is the gracious and glorious act of taking an orphaned child who is not biologically related and making that child a permanent member of your family–just as if they were biologically related.
In the same way, when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are adopted by God as beloved and treasured sons and daughters. We are no longer outsiders or orphans, but now are part of God's family with all the rights and privileges that come with it.
John 1:12 says,
"But to all who did receive Jesus, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
To receive Jesus is to believe upon his name, which means "the Lord saves."
When I trust Jesus was forsaken for my sin on a cross so I could be accepted as a beloved child, I am given a new name, a new identity, and a new hope of an eternal inheritance.
My heavenly Father knows me by name.
I am no longer a spiritual orphan but am included in the family of God as an object of my Father's affection.
I no longer have to look to myself for security, peace, and hope.
I don't have to make a name for myself.
As adopted children of God, we have a new identity and a new purpose. We are no longer defined by our sin, but by the love, mercy, love, and kindness of God.
Because the gospel is a promise of adoption.
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to be adopted?
How does understanding our adoption into God's family change the way we view ourselves and our relationship with God?
In what ways do you think it would change your life if you fully embraced your new identity in Christ?
In what ways does our new identity as children of God affect the way we live our lives?
How does our adoption into God's family affect the way we treat other Christians?
A Suggested Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for adopting us into your family. We understand that through faith in Jesus, we are no longer outsiders or orphans, but we are now part of your family with all the rights and privileges that come with it. Help us to understand and embrace our new identity as your children through adoption. We pray that this truth would change the way we see ourselves and the way we live our lives.
We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.