Chapter 12 – Adoption

1. God has granted that all those who are justified would receive the grace of adoption, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ.¹ By this they are counted among the children of God and enjoy the freedom and privileges of that relationship.² They inherit his name,³ receive the spirit of adoption,⁴ have access to the throne of grace with boldness, and are enabled to cry “Abba, Father!”⁵ They are given compassion,⁶ protected,⁷ provided for,⁸ and chastened by him as a father.⁹  Yet they are never cast off¹⁰ but are sealed for the day of redemption¹¹ and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.¹²

¹Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:4, 5. ²John 1:12; Romans 8:17. ³2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:12. ⁴Romans 8:15. ⁵Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:18. ⁶Psalms 103:13. ⁷Proverbs 14:26. ⁸1 Peter 5:7. ⁹Hebrews 12:6. ¹⁰Isaiah 54:8, 9; Lamentations 3:31. ¹¹Ephesians 4:30. ¹²Hebrews 1:14; 6:12.