The giving to any one the name and place and privileges of a son who is not a son by birth. (1.) Natural. Thus Pharaoh's daughter adopted Moses (Ex. 2:10), and Mordecai Esther (Esther 2:7). (2.) National. God adopted Israel (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 7:6; Hos. 11:1; Rom. 9:4). (3.) Spiritual. An act of God's grace by which he brings men into the number of his redeemed family, and makes them partakers of all the blessings he has provided for them. Adoption represents the new relations into which the believer is introduced by justification, and the privileges connected therewith, viz., an interest in God's peculiar love (John 17:23; Rom. 5:5-8), a spiritual nature (2 Pet. 1:4; John 1:13), the possession of a spirit becoming children of God (1 Pet. 1:14; 2 John 4; Rom. 8:15-21; Gal. 5:1; Heb. 2:15), present protection, consolation, supplies (Luke 12:27-32; John 14:18; 1 Cor. 3:21-23; 2 Cor. 1:4), fatherly chastisements (Heb. 12:5-11), and a future glorious inheritance (Rom. 8:17, 23; James 2:5; Phil. 3:21). an expression used by St. Paul in reference to the present and prospective privileges of Christians. (Romans 8:15,23; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5) He probably alludes to the Roman custom by which a person not having children of his own might adopt as his son one born of other parents. The relationship was to all intents and purposes the same as existed between a natural father and son. The term is used figuratively to show the close relationship to God of the Christian. (Galatians 4:4,5; Romans 8:14-17) He is received into God's family from the world, and becomes a child and heir of God. Explained -- 2Co 6:18. Is according to promise -- Ro 9:8; Ga 3:29. Is by faith -- Ga 3:7,26. Is of God's grace -- Eze 16:3-6; Ro 4:16,17; Eph 1:5,6,11. Is through Christ -- Joh 1:12; Ga 4:4,5; Eph 1:5; Heb 2:10,13. Saints predestinated to -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:5,11. Of Gentiles, predicted -- Ho 2:23; Ro 9:24-26; Eph 3:6. The Adopted are gathered together in one by Christ -- Joh 11:52. New birth connected with -- Joh 1:12,13. The Holy Spirit is a Witness of -- Ro 8:16. Being led by the Spirit is an evidence of -- Ro 8:14. Saints receive the Spirit of -- Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6. A privilege of saints -- Joh 1:12; 1Jo 3:1. Saints become brethren of Christ by -- Joh 20:17; Heb 2:11,12. Saints wait for final consummation of -- Ro 8:19,23; 1Jo 3:2. Subjects saints to the fatherly discipline of God -- De 8:5; 2Sa 7:14; Pr 3:11,12; Heb 12:5-11. God is long-suffering and merciful towards the partakers of -- Jer 31:1,9,20. Should lead to holiness -- 2Co 6:17,18; 7:1; Php 2:15; 1Jo 3:2,3. Should produce Likeness to God. -- Mt 5:44,45,48; Eph 5:1. Child-like confidence in God. -- Mt 6:25-34. A desire for God's glory. -- Mt 5:16. A spirit of prayer. -- Mt 7:7-11. A love of peace. -- Mt 5:9. A forgiving spirit. -- Mt 6:14. A merciful spirit. -- Lu 6:35,36. An avoidance of ostentation. -- Mt 6:1-4,6,18. Safety of those who receive -- Pr 14:26. Confers a new name -- See Titles of Saints. Nu 6:27; Isa 62:2; Ac 15:17. Entitles to an inheritance -- Mt 13:43; Ro 8:17; Ga 3:29; 4:7; Eph 3:6. Is to be pleaded in prayer -- Isa 63:16; Mt 6:9. Illustrated Joseph's sons. -- Ge 48:5,14,16,22. Moses. -- Ex 2:10. Esther. -- Es 2:7. Typified Israel. --Ex 4:22; Ho 11:1; Ro 9:4. Exemplified Solomon. -- 1Ch 28:6.
Adoption