Adoption As Sons Of God And Fatherly Relationship
Adoption as Sons of God and Fatherly Relationship
The concept of adoption as sons of God is rooted in biblical teachings, particularly in the New Testament. The apostle Paul uses the term "adoption" to describe the relationship between God and believers, referencing the Roman custom of adopting a son who was not born to the adopting father [1]. This adoption is not merely a figurative expression but signifies a real change in the believer's status, making them part of God's family.
In the biblical context, adoption is associated with the work of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. According to Paul, believers are adopted as sons of God through faith in Christ (Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:5) [2]. This adoption is characterized by a new relationship with God, where believers are considered children of God and heirs of God's promises (Romans 8:14-17).
The New Testament emphasizes that this adoption is not based on natural birth or human merit but is a gracious act of God. As stated in 1 John 3:1, believers are called children of God because of God's love and grace [3]. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this adoption, serving as a witness to believers that they are children of God (Romans 8:16) [2].
The fatherly relationship between God and believers is a recurring theme in the Bible. God is depicted as a loving Father who cares for his children, provides for them, and disciplines them (Psalm 103:13; Hebrews 12:5-6) [4]. This relationship is built on the foundation of God's covenant with his people, where he promises to be their God and Father.
Different Christian traditions have understood the concept of adoption as sons of God in various ways. The Catholic tradition, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, views adoption as a participation in the divine nature, made possible through the grace of Christ [5]. Reformed theologians, such as John Gill, emphasize that adoption is a sovereign act of God, resulting from his free grace and love [6, 7].
The biblical concept of adoption as sons of God highlights the intimate relationship between God and believers. It underscores the idea that believers are not merely servants or slaves but are instead children of God, with all the rights and privileges that come with this status. As such, adoption is a fundamental aspect of the Christian understanding of salvation and the Christian life.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Adoption — 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 ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Adoption — 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”
- I John “I John 3:1 (ASV) — Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Parents — Receive their children from God -- Ge 33:5; 1Sa 1:27; Ps 127:3. Their duty to their children is To love them. -- Tit 2:4. To bring them to Christ. -- Mt 19:13,14. To train them up for God. -- Pr 22:6; Eph 6:4. To instruct them in God's word. -- De 4:9; 11:19; Isa 38:19. To tell them of God's judgments. -- Joe 1:3. To tell them of the miraculous works of God. -- Ex 10:2; Ps 78:4. To command them to obey God. -- De 32:46; 1Ch 28:9. To bless them. -- Ge 48:15; Heb 11:20. To pity them. -- Ps 103:13. To provide for them. -- Job 42:15; 2Co 12:14; 1Ti 5:8. To rule”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of Adoption as Befitting to Christ, Art. 2: Article: Whether it is fitting that the whole Trinity should adopt? I answer that, There is this difference between an adopted son of God and the natural Son of God, that the latter is "begotten not made"; whereas the former is made, according to Jn. 1:12: "He gave them power to be made the sons of God." Yet sometimes the adopted son is said to be begotten, by reason of the spiritual regeneration which is by grace, not by nature; wherefore it is written (James 1:18): "Of His own will hath He begott”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 63:16: Doubtless thou art our father,.... Therefore why shouldst thou restrain thy mercies and bowels of compassion from us? or therefore look down upon us, and behold us; the church pleads her relation to God, and in a strong manner; faith of interest continued with her, though he hid his face from her. This relation of father and children, which subsists between God and his people, is not upon the foot of creation, so he is a father to all men; nor on account of national adoption, so he was to the whole body of the Jewish people; but through special adopting grace, which ”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 4:6: And because ye are sons,.... That is of God, so some copies read; and the Ethiopic version, "inasmuch as ye are his sons"; not in so high a sense as Christ is the Son of God; nor in so low a sense as all men are his offspring; nor in such sense as magistrates are the children of the most High; nor merely on account of a profession of religion, as the "sons of God" was a phrase very early used of the worshippers of the true God; but by virtue of adoption, and which is not owing to the merits of men, who are by nature children of wrath, but to the free rich sovereign ”