Key Verse: “He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.” (Ephesians 1:5-6 CSB)
Statistics tell us that there are more than 15 million children in the world who have lost both parents and now live as orphans. Additionally, in the United States, approximately 135,000 children are adopted into families every year.
Many of us may not have direct exposure to adoption in this way. However, if we are in Christ Jesus, we have more experience than we may realize. According to the Apostle Paul, one of the spiritual blessings that we have in Jesus is the awesome reality that God has adopted us into His family.
Paul wrote, “He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” (v.5). The word “adopted” that is used here means to hold a position within a family in such a way that all the blessings, benefits and privileges are the same as a child who was born into the family. According to Paul, even before the foundation of the world, God was pleased to choose those who would become members of His family.
Adoption into the family of God is part of what occurs through saving faith in Him. For all those who respond to Jesus in faith and receive His gift of grace, God gives “them the right to be children of God” (John 1:12). Through the Holy Spirit, we become “sons [or daughters!] of God in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).
Why is adoption into God’s family such a big deal? What is it about it that is so significant? The reality of adoption reminds us first of the close and intimate relationship we can now experience with God. God is not some distant and unengaged figure in Heaven. Rather, because we are now members of His family, we can knowing Him closely and personally, calling Him, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15).
As part of this intimate relationship with God the Father as adopted children, we are also assured of His love for us. John wrote, “See what great love the Father has given to us that we should be called God’s children – and we are!” (1 John 3:1). Because God has adopted us, we can rest with full confidence in His unchanging love for us in every circumstance.
This new position in Christ is also an assurance of the gracious provision He promises to us both now and forever. Jesus said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). As His children, we can rest in His eternal goodness toward us.
This also includes the difficult circumstances we may have to endure. The author of Hebrews wrote, “Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons” (Hebrews 12:7), knowing that “it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). No matter what we face, because God has adopted us as His children, we can trust that He is using every circumstance of our lives to grow us in holiness and faith.
Stop and reflect on this incredible reality. If you are in Christ Jesus, you have been adopted into the family of God and are greatly blessed because of it. How does this encourage you today?
Prayer: Abba Father, I thank you that because I am in Christ Jesus, you have given me the right to be called a child of God. Thank you that according to the good pleasure of your will, you adopted me into your family. I choose to rest in the awesome reality of your goodness and love toward me as one of your children. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
