Theology 101 (Lesson 11)
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“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”
–Romans 8:15
Adoption is a beautiful doctrine that speaks to the heart of our relationship with God.
As Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15, ESV).
The first thing to understand about adoption in the biblical context is that it's not primarily about earthly families.
While earthly adoption is a wonderful expression of God’s love and grace, the adoption to which Paul refers is a spiritual adoption, in which God himself chooses to make us his children.
This adoption is not based on our merit or worthiness, but rather on God’s own gracious choice to bring us into his family.
Paul uses the language of slavery and fear to contrast the position of those who are not adopted with the position of those who are.
Before we're adopted, we are enslaved to sin, and our relationship with God is marked by fear and distance. But when we are adopted, we're set free from that slavery and given the Spirit of adoption, who cries out within us, “Abba! Father!”
This cry captures the intimacy and closeness of our relationship with God as his beloved children.
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”
–Romans 8:15
One of the most striking aspects of the doctrine of adoption is the way it highlights the incredible generosity and love of God.
In earthly adoption, parents choose to take as their own a child who is not biologically related, often at great personal cost. In spiritual adoption, however, God chooses to take us in as his children even though we were once his enemies.
This adoption is not based on anything we have done, but rather on God’s own character and goodness.
And it also comes at great personal cost.
We discover the cost in Ephesians 1:7, where Paul writes,
"In [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."
The price of our spiritual adoption, setting us free from spiritual slavery, was paid by Jesus Christ on the cross. It is his blood that makes it possible for us to become children of God, the ultimate expression of God’s generosity–to the praise of his glorious grace!
Our adoption as children of God has important implications.
First, it speaks to our identity as adopted children of God. We are no longer slaves to sin, death, and fear but have been set free to rest in our Father's kindness, love, and provision.
Second, it speaks to the intimacy we are given in our relationship with God. As children of God, believers have a direct and personal relationship that is accessed through prayer, worship, the word, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Because of this intimacy, God is not merely a concept but a living person whom we can know, trust, and follow.
Third, it speaks to our present security as adopted children of God. Our Father is with us, for us, and will never let us go. As Jesus says in John 10:29, "My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand."
Adoption also speaks to our future inheritance as children of God. We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, with a share in the blessings of eternal life and the promise of being glorified with Jesus. As Peter says in 1 Peter 1:3-4, "By His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you."
Discussion Questions
What are similarities between earthly adoption and spiritual adoption?
How does the doctrine of adoption highlight the love, kindness, grace, and generosity of God?
How does being an adopted child of God impact our identity?
What role does the cross play in our adoption into God’s family?
How can our understanding of spiritual adoption shape our relationship with God?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the love, kindness, grace, and generosity you’ve shown to us in choosing to make us your children through Jesus.
Help us to deeply consider the depth of this grace and meditate upon the cost that was paid for us.
As your children, may we trust in your sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness, knowing that you will never let us go.
For we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.