The God's Love Series--Adopted by God
God Loves You Enough To Adopt You
Part 1 of the God's Love Series
In verse 3 of Proverbs 7, we’re told to "write them [God’s words] on the tablet of your heart." There is a difference between getting them in your head and writing them on your heart. By writing them “on your heart,” you will be able to walk in the truths contained within the verses. This is the first of a series of studies about God's love for us. The emails received regarding this site have revealed many things, and one common theme is a need to understand just how much God loves you and me.Picked Special
When I was a kid, there was a family down the street whose kids were adopted. I had never known anybody who was adopted, so I asked the kids what that was like. I found out that their adopted parents told them that the word adopted means "picked special."In hindsight, it is clear to me that this was a great thing to tell those kids. By telling their adopted kids that they were picked special, they were saying, in essence, "You did not start out as a member of my family, but I have chosen to take you in, and make you my child. You get all the privileges and benefits that come with being my child. You get me to love you, protect, you, teach you, provide for you, and take care of you. You get my name. And when it’s all said and done, you’ll receive an inheritance."
The bible says that if you have placed your trust in Jesus, then you have been adopted by the Father, the God of the universe. You are His child. He will give you His name, protection, provision, inheritance, and most important, His love. This is not to be taken lightly. It is an incredible gift, and one that the enemy does not want you to be reminded of. Take a look at a couple of passages:
Romans 8:14-16
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." [Remember that Abba is a term of endearment and closeness, similar to "daddy." We are not God’s foster children. We are His children, and all the intimacy that that suggests is ours if we will take it.]Galatians 3:26
"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus"Ephesians 1:5
"He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will."It’s not just about eternal life
Familiar verses such as John 3:16 remind us that those who have trusted Jesus are destined to live forever with God. However great that is, it is not the whole story. We also enter into a Father-child relationship right now, with all the benefits and privileges mentioned above. We get Him to love us, protect us, and provide for us. Just as important, we get to know Him.This is one of the most important purposes of the Word of God. Those who see the bible as a list of rules or guidelines are missing the best part. It’s a love letter from God, where He reveals Himself by telling his people, over and over, of His love for us. He chose us.
The Price of Adoption
While I have never been personally involved in adoption, I know that it is an expensive process; there are lawyers, paperwork, red tape, and background checks; these things cost money, lots of it. Typically, any couple who wants to adopt is told at the outset that they will be out several thousands of dollars. While this is a hindrance, it won't scare away those potential parents who want it bad enough. If they really want that adoption to happen, they are willing to pay a heavy price.Similarly, in order to make our adoption by God possible, there was a heavy price to pay. When we take the Lord’s Table (also known as the Lord’s Supper, Communion, or Eucharist) at church, we are reminded of the great price that was paid in order to make it possible for us to enter into a Father-child relationship with the God of the universe.
The bread represents the broken body of Jesus, and the juice or wine symbolizes the spilled blood of Jesus. The price that had to be paid so that you and I could be adopted by God was the broken body and spilled blood of Jesus. This is why Jesus told His disciples (and, by extension, us) to participate in the Lord’s Supper regularly: to remember what He did, the price that had to be paid.
Ok, but what about "Picked Special"?
Part of being anyone’s child, whether naturally of through adoption, is that there is an inheritance. One of the great things about adoption from the parent's perspective is that you get to choose your heirs. God chose His heirs:James 2:5
". . . did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him?"John 15:16
"You did not choose Me but I chose you . . . " It’s unfortunate that verses like John 15:16 have been at the center of so much controversy over the centuries. While Christians are reading this and arguing about predestination, they’re missing the beauty contained in this verse. God chose you; He wants to adopt you and be your Father. This is an incredible gift from Him. You have been picked special. Rejoice over this truth!NEXT: Part 2 -- He Died For Us
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