05 Mar Adoption in Pauline Theology: An In-Depth Look
ADOPTION IN PAUL’S TEACHINGS
Paul’s teachings emphasize that the gift of justification, which refers to the acceptance of individuals by God as the world’s Judge, brings with it the status of sonship through adoption (Gal. 3:26; 4:4-7). This means that individuals can experience a permanent intimacy with God as their heavenly Father. In the Roman society in which Paul lived, adoption was typically the practice of wealthy childless individuals who chose to adopt young adult males of good character to become heirs and maintain their family name. However, Paul’s proclamation of God’s grace extends beyond this norm, as he declares that even those of bad character can become “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17).
Justification is the foundational blessing that leads to adoption, while adoption is the ultimate blessing that results from justification. This adopted status is granted to all who accept Christ (John 1:12). Being adopted by God means that, through Christ, believers are loved by God as He loves His only-begotten Son, and they will share in all the glory that Christ currently possesses (Rom. 8:17, 38-39).
In their present lives, believers are under God’s fatherly care and discipline (Matt. 6:26; Heb. 12:5-11). Jesus specifically directs them to live their entire lives with the understanding that God is their Father in heaven. They are to pray to God as their Father (Matt. 6:5-13), imitate Him in their actions (Matt. 5:44-48; 6:12, 14-15; 18:21-35; Eph. 4:32–5:2), and trust in Him (Matt. 6:25-34). This reflects the filial instinct that the Holy Spirit has instilled within them (Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 4:6).
Adoption and regeneration, while closely related, are distinct aspects of the salvation that Christ provides (John 1:12-13). Adoption refers to the granting of a relationship with God, whereas regeneration pertains to the transformation of an individual’s moral nature. Nevertheless, the connection between the two is clear: God desires for His children, whom He loves, to embody His character and takes appropriate action to ensure this.
This understanding of adoption, as described by Paul, offers a profound sense of intimacy, belonging, and transformation for believers, as it highlights the depth of God’s love and the extent of His grace in welcoming all who receive Christ into His family.
The information presented in this article was excerpted from Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs by J. I. Packer.
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