Celebrating Our Adoption – P. 3

Day 3 discussing spiritual adoption. The past few posts have been based on a sermon that I gave titled “Celebrating Our Adoption” from Romans 8:15-17.

Though it’s not necessary, if you have the time, check out Part 1 and Part 2 before moving on with today’s post.

Looking at our key passage, we read,

“…you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption.” (Rom. 8:15a)

At the centre of adoption we find the Holy Spirit.

At the very centre of this dividing line between pre and post adoption is the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is like our adoption certificate. It is our unbreakable, unshakeable, unmistakable seal; the guarantee that we are no longer orphaned slaves, living in fear.

Pre-adoption had a destiny of no security, no hope and no legacy. However, once the Holy Spirit is given, the adoption has become final and our destiny is radically changed.

We cry “Abba, Father.” In the second part of verse 15, we read,

“And by him we cry ‘Abba, Father’” (Rom. 8:15b) “By him,” the Holy Spirit, we can cry out “Abba, Father”!

Maybe you’re wondering, “What’s this word, ‘Abba’?” The word “Abba” is the most intimate Biblical term for Father. Our English language doesn’t really have a direct translation.

If we had to, it would translate to “Daddy.” That’s right, Daddy. Once the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon us as that adoption certificate, we have every right, every honour and the amazing pleasure to call our Heavenly Father, “Daddy.”

This makes Christianity unique.

For me, this is one of the key texts that prove to me, without a shadow of a doubt, that Christianity is the only true faith.

Much like our world today, First Century Rome was crawling with faiths and religions from every corner of the globe. However, then and now, all other religions fall short.

Paul explains why in verses 16 and 17:

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Rom. 8:16-17)

We become heirs of God.

Let that sink in for a moment. The Holy Spirit, whom is our adoption certificate, testifies “that we are God’s children.” Therefore, if we’re God’s children, “then we are heirs…”

This is why Christianity is so mind-blowing for me. We’re not just brought into heaven to be God’s slaves or servants. (Which, by the way wouldn’t be a bad option considering the alternate eternal existence.)

God chooses to make us royalty. Furthermore, Christ whom has given us everything, and whom we owe everything, is our co-heir. Is this not amazing?

None of this is rightfully ours. Yet, through this miraculous spiritual adoption that happens at our salvation, it is bestowed upon us freely.

Adoption stands alone.

When compared to other religions, the theology of spiritual adoption makes Christianity stand alone as the only truth faith.

As I’ve already stated, First Century Romans had plenty of gods. But they believed they were servants to the gods, constantly trying to appease them in any way possible.

Can you imagine what they thought; when God led Paul to teach adoption to these people?

A God who loves this much did not exist in their culture, nor does One who loves this much exist in our world today. We need to start telling people about Him.

Join the Conversation, Share Your Thoughts:

What does spiritual adoption mean you? How does it impact your faith?