The Mystery of Adoption

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

This familiar saying means that children will often share in their parents’ identity and character, even resemble them in their habits and mannerisms.

Now, one of the Bible’s great mysteries is that Jesus is called the Son of God. It’s a mystery, because we also know that Jesus is eternal. At a moment in time, the Son of God was born in the flesh as man—yet as God, Christ was around long before this, even forever.

The Apostles’ Creed says that Jesus Christ is the only Son of the Father. He shares completely in his Father’s identity and glory.

The Son has always enjoyed communion with his Father, eternally. Just like a human son enjoys the affection of his dad, so God the Son basks in the Father’s perfect love. As a son will receive good gifts from his loving dad, so Jesus receives privilege from the Father, even all authority in heaven and on earth.

But now another mystery: we sinners are allowed to become God’s children through Christ.

For his sake we have been adopted into his family and household. Now we too, can live in eternal communion with the Father.

Even as Jesus could call on God in his hour of need, we too are allowed to pray, “Abba, Father.”

For God as our Father is always near in grace and power, always ready to grant every good gift to his little children. Says John, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1).  

This is a wondrous privilege and responsibility. For as sons and daughters of God, Christians now share in the identity and character of our Father. And as his children, the Father expects us to always imitate his love, mercy, and goodness.

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Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:1-10

Prayer: Father, I thank you for your great love through your Son Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, help me to live like one of your holy children, a son or a daughter who is full of your love, mercy and goodness. Amen.