Christian Adoption Research Paper

708 Words2 Pages

Introduction
Adoption is a vital aspect of Christianity. The Bible consistently teaches adoption, especially in the New Testament, and, therefore, God teaches adoption. If an alleged adherent of Christianity does not accept adoption, he or she is not actually adhering to Christianity because Christianity's fundamental message, the Gospel, includes adoption. Adoption is a theological principle that could benefit everyone, especially a Christian. After identifying the biblical definition of adoption and recognizing the themes concerning adoption within Scripture, one could significantly live differently.
The Definition of Adoption
The earthly definition of adoption provides an insight into the biblical definition of adoption: they both involve …show more content…

Although the concept primarily occurs within the New Testament, the Old Testament also teaches adoption concerning Israel and God. Repeatedly, the Old Testament records, such as Exodus 4:22 and Isaiah 1:2, that God sees Israel as His son. As His son, Israel had a unique relationship with God and, subsequently, had exceedingly benevolent benefits such as deliverance from Egypt and His protection. Christians find immediate relevance in adoption mainly because of the New Testament's teachings. The New Testament author, the Apostle Paul, was the one who explicitly taught this theological term in his writings. For instance, in Galatians 4:5, Paul teaches that God adopted those whom Jesus has redeemed. Consequently, the following verses recorded that those who have adoption have the Spirit of His Son in their hearts and that they are not slaves, but, rather, they are heirs of God through …show more content…

When Paul taught regarding adoption in Galatians, he taught that adoption causes changes. For instance, when the Spirit of the Son inhabits the hearts of those whom God has adopted, they will cry out "Abba, Father." That is, applying adoption causes a believer to communicate to God as his or her Father. Before conversion and, thus, before adoption, an individual could not technically communicate with God as his or her Father. Moreover, when one is in not in Jesus, God views that individual as a bondservant of the world, rather than His son or daughter. In addition, when one applies the theological truth of adoption, his or her lifestyle will change. Since one understands that because of adoption, he or she has inherited whatever the Father desired. Therefore, he or she could walk knowing that he or she has God's power. Instead of walking powerlessly, one should walk knowing that God's power is within him or her because of adoption. Furthermore, he or she should live confidently because he or she knows who his or her Father is and what He has done and will do for him or

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