GALATIANS 4:5-7 ADOPTION DEFINED

ADOPTION DEFINED - GALATIANS 4:5-7

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption⁵²⁰⁶ of sons.

Susan: The word “adoption” is used five times in the Bible (Romans 8:15, 23; Romans 9:4, Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5). All five times it was the Apostle Paul who was writing, and all five times he used the same Greek word.

The new Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

5206 huiŏthēsia – the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (fig. Christian sonship in respect to God) – adoption (of children, of sons).

Susan: Just as men can be called the “bride” of Christ, women can be called “sons” of God. The Bible usually says “sons” but it could be translated “children” in most instances. We are talking about our position in God’s kingdom being that of a beloved child with all the rights of a natural born child.

Susie: Paul would have been thinking in terms of Roman law when he wrote about adoption. The following is an excerpt from an excellent article. If you wish to read the entire article (which I highly recommend), go to: https://www.pilgrimtours.com/church_history/italy/devotionals_history/Adoption.htm

But it is the consequences of adoption which are most significant for the picture that is in Paul’s mind.  There were four main consequences. (1) The adopted person lost all rights to his old family, and gained all the rights of a fully legitimate son in his new family.  In the most literal sense, and in the most legally binding way, he got a new father. (2) It followed that he became heir to his new father’s estate.  Even if other sons were afterwards born, who were real blood relations, it did not affect his rights. He was inalienably co-heir with them.  (3) In law, the old life of the adopted person was completely wiped out.  For instance, legally all debts were cancelled; they were wiped out as though they had never been.  The adopted person was regarded as a new person entering into a new life with which the past had nothing to do.  (4) In the eyes of the law the adopted person was literally and absolutely the son of the new father.

Susan: When we are adopted into God’s family, our love for and obedience to Him must supersede all other attachments. The love of our earthly father and family is still there, but it pales in comparison to that of our Heavenly Father.

Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Susan: We become co-heirs with Jesus of the Kingdom of God when He adopts us. No matter what happens that status cannot be rescinded. Adoption is permanent.

Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Susie: When we surrendered title to our own lives and submitted to the headship of our Heavenly Father, our past—our sins, our sorrows, our short-comings—was completely wiped out. Jesus did not just make over who we were. Instead He made us brand new. A completely fresh start.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Susan: The child of God is not like a red-headed step-child. We are indeed full-fledged members of God’s family with all the rights and responsibilities of a family member.

Susie: As full-fledged members of the forever family of God, we inherit a place specially and specifically prepared for us in His Kingdom.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.