Topical Bible: Adoption: Subjects Saints to the Fatherly Discipline of God

◄ Adoption: Subjects Saints to the Fatherly Discipline of God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Adoption, in the biblical context, refers to the act of God by which believers are received into His family as His children. This divine adoption is a profound spiritual reality that not only grants believers the status of children of God but also subjects them to His fatherly discipline, a necessary aspect of their spiritual growth and sanctification.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of adoption is rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul extensively discusses it. In Romans 8:15, Paul writes, "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 highlights the intimate relationship believers have with God through the Spirit of adoption, which replaces fear with a familial bond.

Furthermore, in Ephesians 1:5, Paul states, "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage underscores that adoption is part of God's eternal plan, executed through Jesus Christ, and is an expression of His sovereign will and grace.

Fatherly Discipline

As adopted children of God, believers are subject to His fatherly discipline, which is an essential component of their spiritual journey. Hebrews 12:5-7 provides insight into this aspect: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.' Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"

This passage reveals that divine discipline is a sign of God's love and acceptance. It is not punitive but corrective, aimed at refining the character of believers and conforming them to the image of Christ. The discipline of God is a testament to the authenticity of the believer's adoption, as it mirrors the relationship between a loving father and his children.

Purpose and Outcome

The purpose of God's discipline is to produce holiness and righteousness in His children. Hebrews 12:10-11 explains, "Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it."

Through discipline, believers are trained in righteousness, leading to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His will. This process, though often challenging, is integral to the believer's sanctification and ultimate glorification.

Conclusion

Adoption into God's family is a transformative experience that brings believers into a new relationship with God as their Father. This relationship includes the privilege of calling upon God with intimacy and the responsibility of submitting to His loving discipline. Through this divine discipline, believers are molded into the likeness of Christ, experiencing the fullness of their identity as children of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 8:5
You shall also consider in your heart, that, as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 7:14
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 3:11,12
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
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Hebrews 12:5-11
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Glorious Predestination
... we have received renewed seals of our adoption from the ... reflected in ten thousand
mirrors in saints made like ... his sheep, as a king loves his subjects, so Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/glorious predestination.htm

Appendix.
... the Church in America united in the adoption of a ... His familiarity with subjects outside
of theology, and his ready ... I trust we have now many good saints here in ...
/.../various/the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/appendix.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... for the difference in the character of the subjects, what is ... the idea that they must
be venial if saints did them ... body, or from his choice in the adoption of a ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... church, wherein he and many other saints rest in ... presence for the restoration of
ecclesiastical discipline; and because ... God, who has been pleased by our action ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... and a son, as he is a partaker of the grace of adoption. ... of these pillars is, to
show us what high dignity God did put upon those of his saints whom he did ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Doctrine
... the two covenants was sent forth to chastise error, and comfort the saints of God. ...
mercy, upon our failing to keep His Law"these are subjects of intense ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm