"[In love] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:5-6, ESV)
What is the supreme prize of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places? Previously we discussed the reality that every blessing in heaven is yours in Christ Jesus. That sounds amazing! What could possibly be the greatest of those heavenly blessings? Could it be immortality? Could it be freedom from pain or depression or addiction? Could it be total rescue from the former reality of sin?
These are all amazing blessings that are yours in Christ. But, have you considered adoption? John Owen once said, “The privileges we enjoy by Christ are great and innumerable…” and that contemplating upon them is a “work for a man’s whole life”. Yet, I have but a few paragraphs to direct your heart to the incredible “spring and fountain whence they all arise and flow” and that is our adoption. [1]
A loving Father provides affection and security to his children. And by virtue of our union with Christ and adoption as sons, we receive this privilege to the highest degree, because our heavenly Father is all-loving and all-powerful. Nothing that seeks to attack his children shall prosper (Is. 54:17). “When I feel my faith will fail, he will hold me fast. When the tempter would prevail, he will hold me fast.” [2]
The doctrine of adoption reminds us that we have the smile of Almighty God; that all that we could ever want or need is found in him. It also reminds us of his glorious grace.
How is it that a rebel sinner, under the just condemnation of God’s Law receives God’s smile? It is by grace and grace alone. God has determined, before the foundation of the earth, to display his glorious grace to vessels prepared for mercy (Rom. 9:21-23). According to no other purpose than his own. Not because of anything in us, but because of everything in him.
So, I encourage you to take advantage of this great privilege to be a child of God in four ways.
- Rejoice. Because of Christ, God is your Father. You are free.
- Rest. Stop your striving to earn God’s favor. You already have it.
- Request. Go to your Father in prayer. He is eager to hear you and meet your every need.
- Report. Report for the duty to which he has called you. Go as a soldier-son under the certain security of an Almighty Father, proclaiming the glories of his grace.
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[1] John Owen: "Of Communion with God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost", https://www.ccel.org/ccel/owen/communion.i.vii.x.html
[2] Song: "He Will Hold Me Fast", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLvhPVfLeFk