Adoption: Saints Predestinated To
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Adoption, in the biblical context, refers to the gracious and loving act of God by which believers are brought into His family as His children. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is a significant aspect of Christian theology, emphasizing the transformation of believers' status from estrangement to sonship through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The doctrine of adoption is primarily expounded in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Ephesians 1:5, Paul writes, "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage highlights the divine initiative and purpose behind adoption, underscoring that it is not a result of human effort but a sovereign act of God, rooted in His eternal plan and pleasure.

Similarly, in Romans 8:15, Paul contrasts the spirit of slavery with the Spirit of adoption: "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba, Father!'" This verse illustrates the intimate relationship believers have with God, characterized by a familial bond that allows them to address God with the affectionate term "Abba," akin to "Daddy" or "Father."

Theological Implications

The concept of predestination in relation to adoption emphasizes God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. It suggests that God, in His omniscience and love, chose believers to be His children before the foundation of the world. This predestined adoption is not based on any merit or action on the part of the individual but is entirely a result of God's grace and purpose.

Galatians 4:4-5 further elaborates on the timing and means of this adoption: "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons." Here, the incarnation and redemptive work of Christ are presented as the means by which adoption is made possible, highlighting the centrality of Jesus' sacrifice in the divine plan.

Spiritual Benefits

Adoption as sons and daughters of God brings with it numerous spiritual benefits and privileges. Believers are granted the status of heirs, as stated in Romans 8:17: "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." This heirship implies a future inheritance, which includes eternal life and the fullness of God's promises.

Moreover, adoption assures believers of their identity and security in Christ. It provides a sense of belonging and acceptance, as they are no longer strangers or aliens but members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19). This new identity also calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting the character and holiness of their Heavenly Father.

Practical Outworking

The reality of adoption should profoundly impact the life of a believer. It calls for a response of gratitude, obedience, and love towards God and fellow believers. As adopted children, Christians are encouraged to imitate God, as dearly loved children (Ephesians 5:1), and to live in unity and love within the body of Christ, recognizing their shared identity and destiny.

Furthermore, the assurance of adoption provides comfort and hope amidst trials and sufferings. Knowing that they are predestined and secure in God's family, believers can face life's challenges with confidence, trusting in the Father's care and provision.

In summary, the doctrine of adoption reveals the depth of God's love and the richness of His grace, as He predestines believers to be His children, granting them a new identity, privileges, and a glorious inheritance in Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 1:5,11
Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

We were Elected and Predestinated, not Because we were Going to be ...
... on the predestination of the saints, Chapter 37."We Were Elected and Predestinated,
Not Because ... of the world, predestinating us to the adoption of children ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 37 we were elected and.htm

Adoption
... Having predestinated us to the adoption of children, according to the ... To reproach
the saints, is as if Shimei had reproached David ... Adoption ends in coronation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... foundation of the world we were predestinated unto the ... Justification with our standing,
and Adoption with our ... New Testament believers are called saints (1:Cor.1 ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are ... and without blame before
him in love: 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Easter Litany of the Moravian Church. AD 1749.
... Who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to ...
/.../easter litany of the moravian.htm

Ephesians i. 2-Jan
... when even secular men could be called "saints and faithful ... "In love," saith he,
"having predestinated us." Because ... a state of enmity, to the adoption of children ...
/.../homily i ephesians i 2-jan.htm

On Divine Predestination
... of those Divine things has been predestinated by this ... praise of our vocation,
justification, adoption, and glorification ... in the assemblies of the saints and in ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 15 on divine predestination.htm

Such are the Doctrines which are to be Found in These Works of ...
... You say further that all the saints, such as Paul ... like him in each generation were
predestinated by God ... undefiled, and to partake of the adoption through Jesus ...
/.../27 such are the doctrines.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... grace, without any respect of men, the saints whom he ... our Lord Jesus Christ, was
from eternity predestinated by the ... God, not merely by name or adoption or by ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... of adoption; by the act of adoption we are ... to count the treasures which belong to
the saints. ... we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

Resources
What is conditional election? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Family & Parenting (All) | GotQuestions.org

Unconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Adoption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Adoption

Adoption is According to Promise

Adoption is by Faith

Adoption is of God's Grace

Adoption is Through Christ

Adoption is to be Pleaded in Prayer

Adoption of Esther

Adoption of Gentiles, Predicted

Adoption of Joseph's Sons

Adoption of Moses

Adoption: A Privilege of Saints

Adoption: Being Led by the Spirit is an Evidence of

Adoption: Confers a New Name

Adoption: Entitles to an Inheritance

Adoption: Explained

Adoption: General Scriptures Concerning

Adoption: God is Patience and Merciful Towards the Partakers of

Adoption: Illustrated: Esther

Adoption: Illustrated: Joseph's Sons

Adoption: Illustrated: Moses

Adoption: New Birth Connected With

Adoption: Safety of Those Who Receive

Adoption: Saints Become Brethren of Christ By

Adoption: Saints Predestinated To

Adoption: Saints Receive the Spirit of

Adoption: Saints Wait for Final Consummation of

Adoption: should Lead to Holiness

Adoption: should Produce a Desire for God's Glory

Adoption: should Produce a Forgiving Spirit

Adoption: should Produce a Love of Peace

Adoption: should Produce a Merciful Spirit

Adoption: should Produce a Spirit of Prayer

Adoption: should Produce an Avoidance of Ostentation

Adoption: should Produce Child-Like Confidence in God

Adoption: should Produce Likeness to God

Adoption: Solomon

Adoption: Spiritual

Adoption: Subjects Saints to the Fatherly Discipline of God

Adoption: The Adopted are Gathered Together in One by Christ

Adoption: The Holy Spirit is a Witness of

Adoption: Typified, in Israel

Adoption: Typified: Israel

Related Terms

Adopted (10 Occurrences)

Church (110 Occurrences)

Knee (12 Occurrences)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Parousia

Sacraments

Trumpets (52 Occurrences)

Nero

Feast (209 Occurrences)

Election (6 Occurrences)

Slavery (31 Occurrences)

Wait (223 Occurrences)

God (45911 Occurrences)

Septuagint

Slave (148 Occurrences)

Children

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)

Law-giving (1 Occurrence)

Lawgiving (1 Occurrence)

Lord's (548 Occurrences)

Whereby (46 Occurrences)

Wit (28 Occurrences)

Intention (10 Occurrences)

Israelites (468 Occurrences)

Ishi (5 Occurrences)

First-fruit (19 Occurrences)

Foreordained (8 Occurrences)

Fruits (109 Occurrences)

Theirs (96 Occurrences)

Recommendation (2 Occurrences)

Rights (35 Occurrences)

Redeem (56 Occurrences)

Eagerly (36 Occurrences)

Espousal

Expecting (22 Occurrences)

Departure (22 Occurrences)

Destined (25 Occurrences)

Divine (39 Occurrences)

Daysman (1 Occurrence)

Mover (1 Occurrence)

Pertain (9 Occurrences)

Predestined (6 Occurrences)

Prisoner (87 Occurrences)

Passage (20 Occurrences)

Promises (35 Occurrences)

Propose (8 Occurrences)

Pertaineth (18 Occurrences)

Predestinated (4 Occurrences)

Caesar (25 Occurrences)

Cart (12 Occurrences)

Covenants (5 Occurrences)

Awaiting (13 Occurrences)

Agitation (3 Occurrences)

Assurance (16 Occurrences)

Abba (3 Occurrences)

Accept (106 Occurrences)

Ador

Son (25967 Occurrences)

Succoth-benoth (1 Occurrence)

Stoics (1 Occurrence)

Saviour (157 Occurrences)

Succothbenoth (1 Occurrence)

Beforehand (38 Occurrences)

Fable

Groan (32 Occurrences)

Firstfruits (37 Occurrences)

First-fruits (45 Occurrences)

Relationships (1 Occurrence)

Bondage (55 Occurrences)

Malefactor (2 Occurrences)

Marked (163 Occurrences)

Predestination

Accordance (118 Occurrences)

Elisha (70 Occurrences)

Leading (101 Occurrences)

Lot (145 Occurrences)

Prison (131 Occurrences)

Godhead (5 Occurrences)

Adoption: Saints Become Brethren of Christ By
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