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Doctrine of Adoption

December 17, 2010


ADOPTION1. Isogogics: The bible must be interpreted in the time in which it was written.

A. The noun: huiothesia, refers to a Roman custom in Paul’s time
B. Described in Galatians 4:1-2
C. There was a ceremony for recognition of someone inside the family.
D. The son wore a toga of childhood until this time.
E. Was given the toga of manhood at this time and accepted into the
family as an adult with full family privileges.


F. Also received a ring of the family, which was the instrument of
personal responsibility. He could now make decisions for himself
concerning military, business, politics and marriage.


G. The word thus means, to be placed as an adult son with the full
privileges and responsibilities of being in the family.

2. Application to God’s plan: Remember, all human analogies break down.

A. The unbeliever is the child in his minority. Gal. 4:3
B. When he becomes a believer, he becomes an adult son.
C. This is through union with Christ and is permanent.
D. As such, he now has full privileges and responsibilities in the
family of God.

3. Adoption is based on the eternal plan of God. Ephesians 1:5

4. The mechanics of adoption:

At the moment of salvation, God the Holy Spirit takes that believer and places him into union with Christ through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Since Jesus is an “adult” son, all who are IN CHRIST are adult sons.

5. The time of adoption: We are first a child and then a son.

A. First an unbeliever and then a son of God.

B. It is the new birth which actually accomplishes our salvation.
John 3:3-16; 1:12; Titus 3:5;

C. And in the spiritual arena, at the moment of being born into the family of God, we are also placed as adult sons in that family.

6. The guarantee or evidence of our adoption is the indwelling presence of
the Holy Spirit. Gal. 4:6;

7. Implication of adoption:

A. Freedom to have relationship with God. Freedom toward God.
Gal. 4:5
B. Not freedom toward the human race, but toward God.
C. Freedom to function in the plan of God without fear or worry or threat.
D. Man is dead to God before salvation and adoption.
E. Adoption is being alive to God as a son to a father.

8. Future aspect of adoption: Romans 8:23
The resurrection body

9. Application note: We are adult sons in “position” but we begin the experience
of our Christian way of life as babies and must grow up to be strong in the Faith.
1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18