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1 John 3:1, 2
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. One of the most wonderful blessings we enjoy is that of family. Now I know every family has its issues. Someone once said, the trouble in most families is relative! Today, we want to study 2 more truths concerning our adoption that will draw us deeper into this amazing salvation relationship we have with God our Creator. We are using one theologian’s definition of adoption, which, as you remember, *is an act of God whereby He makes us members of His family. I am continuing to follow one author’s outline and some of his information concerning adoption. Let’s look at:
- THE PARTICULARS OF OUR ADOPTION. Like all aspects of our salvation, adoption is a privilege that is a reward and result of our salvation. It is solely by God’s grace we are chosen and called or invited to be saved and adopted by Him. We are never to abuse our privilege as Sons of God. Adoption is a distinct act of God apart from all other blessings and benefits of salvation. Adoption is just one of the privileges that comes to us as a result of salvation, and it comes to us at a high price on God’s part. I like the way one author summarizes the particulars of our adoption when he says: Regeneration has to do with our spiritual life within. Without spiritual life, there is no hope of a relationship with God. Justification has to do with our standing before God’s law. Without a proper standing before God, there is no hope of fellowship with Him. Adoption has to do with our relationship with God as our Father, and puts is into a position to receive many of the greatest blessings we will know in eternity! Now let’s consider:
- THE PRIVILEGES OF OUR ADOPTION. We experience the privileges of adoption in at least 2 specific ways: 1st is the way God reveals Himself to us in a Father-child relationship. He does that In our prayers, In our perceptions; and in our provisions. God also reveals Himself as Father to us in Father-child fellowship. One of the 1st ways we see God relate to us in fellowship is in our practices. The 1st practice of a true Christian is prayer. Our relationship with God is eternally established through our adoption. Our fellowship is determined by our compliance and conformity to Scripture. God relates to us in Father-child fellowship in our perspectives. Read Eph. 4:1-16. All true Christians are members of God’s family the Church. As we show honor and respect to our parents and family elders, we are to show respect and honor to all others in our church family. All this doesn’t begin to explain the fullness of our adoption into God’s family. It does help us understand how important the privilege is of being related to God as His adopted child, and the ensuing fellowship that comes to us as a result. Once again it reveals to us God’s amazing grace.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
