Privilege of Adoption

John 1:12 AMPC

“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—“

We often think about the work of Jesus as a work of redemption only. It is a work of redemption, to be sure, but it is so much more than that. If all God wanted was to satisfy the requirements of the law, then all He would have offered was payment for our sin. Instead, God offers more than satisfaction of justice. He offers relationship. And not just any relationship either. Close intimate relationship.

God offers us adoption into His family with all the rights and privileges that go along with sonship. Sonship guarantees us certain rights and privileges. It guarantees us an inheritance. Jesus Christ came into the world to redeem the world, yes, but He also came into the world so that anyone who wanted to be adopted into the family of God might have the authority to be adopted. Those of us who are willing to trust in His name, to rely fully on Him, we are given the privilege of adoption.

We are granted the same inheritance that Jesus has. We are granted His authority against the enemy. We are a part of His family. We have the opportunity for intimate, close relationship with God, the same as Jesus Himself has with the Father. All based on our acceptance of Him, our dependence on Him, and our faith in Him.

Father, I thank you that your plan was so much bigger than just satisfying the law. I thank you that you didn’t buy me back just to make me a slave. Instead, you bought my life from the enemy that I might be adopted into your family and become your child. You provided me a family. You provided me an opportunity for close relationship. You provided me with an inheritance and with authority. Thank you, Father, for all that you have done on my behalf, even while I was your enemy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.