I think one of the things that confuses people most about the bible is the new testament references to being adopted. Adoption shows up many times in the new testament, especially from Paul but was also supported by Christ’s instruction to his followers to refer to God as “Father.” For example Galatians 4:4-7 writes:
“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” Galatians 4:4-7 (NLT)
This verse hardly stands alone, the concept of adoption carries on in passages such as Romans 8:15-17:
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Romans 8:15-17 (NLT)
Likewise it shows up in Ephesians 1:4-5:
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT)
So why do I believe people are confused by the biblical references to adoption? Largely because sociological and legal factors have changed a great deal since the Greek and Roman empires in which these passages were written. Modern adoption unfortunately carries negative overtures derived from the idea that a child was unwanted; likewise, adopted children can be viewed as less valuable than a biological child. When properly evaluating the context of the new testament, this is hardly the case. In fact most adoptions occurred to pass on lineage and inheritance to individuals over the age of 16 who showed promise and potential. For example, the statue above is the second emperor of the Roman empire was Caesar Augustus, Julius Ceasar’s adopted heir (although Augustus was originally his nephew, he was adopted and renamed nonetheless)!
So when you are being told God adopted you, it is hardly because you were unwanted nor are you a second class citizen in the family of God. God in fact wants you and sees promise and potential in you. When viewed through the proper context we understand that the writings of the new testament are powerful and inspiring. God has a confidence in us, and with the presence of his spirit we are capable of achieving that promise and potential. You may not become a famous evangelist, author, CEO, athlete, etc. but human accomplishment isn’t really what God would equate with reaching promise and potential… the kingdom of heaven is a very radically different kingdom after all. In fact his desire is to manifest through us and for us to display the fruits and gifts that result from relationship and connection with him.
My hope is that this post will encourage and empower you to be a radical Christian in full knowledge that God has reason and purpose behind you becoming his son, his daughter, his heir!