Israel Adoption Essay

In Old Testament Israel adoption was not a common practice (Youngblood, et al, 18). However, because of Roman influence, New Testament Israelites did adopt, adhering to Roman law: 1) the adopter was a childless male, 2) the adopted was an adult who agreed to be adopted and had proved themselves worthy of carrying the family name (Youngblood, et al, 18; Packer, 242). Having an heir was the reason for which adoptions occurred (Packer, 244). In spite of the fact that our adoption was entirely based on God’s love and not our merit (Rom 5:6, 8), Galatians 4:7 states that because we have become sons and daughters of God, we have also become heirs. Further, we are promised that as “fellow heirs with Christ” we will “also be glorified with Him” (Romans

As an earthly father will instruct his children so that they may learn and adopt his values, so God instructs us. We will become more like Him- loving what He loves and hating what He hates. Therefore, we will learn to love and value others, especially His people (Lk 10:27; 1 John 2:9-10; Packer, 246). At different times in my life, this has been an area of particular difficulty. Nevertheless, by God’s grace, I am seeing progress. And I am infinitely grateful for His patience and extravagant love. That though I have many times behaved as the prodigal, He faithfully responds as the prodigal’s father (Lk

Prior to understanding this aspect of God’s love, I often mistook correction for rejection. This could not be farther from the truth, for the Bible states that if God corrects us it is out of love and because we are His children (Heb 12:5-8). To be precise, “the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives”. This scripture makes it absolutely clear, that as children of God we can be secure in His love, in His acceptance and therefore in our salvation. Part of our responsibility as a child is to respond appropriately and in obedience (Heb 12:9). Because we know He’s a good Father who has a good reason for His correction, we can endure the discomfort and pain of this correction; ultimately it will be for our benefit (Heb 12:11). Likewise, we can endure the hardships of life based on the greatness of His love and faithfulness. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom