Adoption

I'm starting a new blog series about theological words. My goal is to post once a week on Wednesday about a theological word that may interest you or confuse you. If you have a theological word that you would like for me to write about, then send it in the comment section below.

My first "Wednesday Word" is the theological word "adoption." This word may not seem like a theological word to begin with, but I hope to convince you otherwise. Yes, I'm sure that you know "adoption" references the act of taking something/someone as your own. The United States government may adopt some laws or a couple may adopt a child into their family. The context may change but the underlying premise remains the same.

Adoption is a theological word because it explains God's act of taking us (Christians) as His own. God adopted people into His family by two major steps: First, God sent Jesus, His Son, to die for the sins of the world. Second, God provided His Holy Spirit to people who believe.

Now, read what Paul wrote about God sending His Holy Spirit:

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Rom 8:14-17)

God adopted us (Christians) into the family of God and He is our Father.

Adoption is another facet to salvation that we should not overlook. Through Christ's substitutionary death, we are saved from the punishment of sin. We are saved from the power of sin. We are saved from the presence of sin (Heaven). But along with those, we are saved to be a part of the body of Christ. And of course, we are saved to be a part of the family of God (adoption).

If you have a word you would like to submit, please let me know in the comments below.