Adoption
J. Burns, D. D. Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. I. IN WHAT DOES ADOPTION CONSIST? It is the translation of a person out of one family into another. The act of grace by which God takes the children of the wicked one out of the world, and makes them the sons and daughters of His spiritual family. 1. Points of similarity between natural and spiritual adoption. (1) In adoption we cease to have our former name, and are designated after the name of God, who adopted us; then sinners, now saints; then enemies, now reconciled; then aliens and rebels, now brought nigh and the friends of God. (2) In adoption we change our abode. Once in the world, in the kingdom of darkness, in a far country; now in the Church, in the kingdom of God's dear Son, in the household of faith, and family of heaven. (3) We change our costume. Conform to the family dress. 2. Points of difference between natural and spiritual adoption. (1) Natural adoption was to supply a family defect. Because there was no son. God had hosts of sons — the angels, etc. (2) Natural adoption was only of sons. God makes no distinction as to sex, race, etc. (3) In natural adoption there was only a change of condition; the child never became really the son of the adopter. But God makes His children partakers of His own nature, and imprints on them His own image. (4) In natural adoption only one was adopted; but God adopts multitudes. (5) In natural adoption only temporal advantages were derived; but in spiritual, the blessings are eternal. II. THE SIGNS OF ADOPTION. 1. Internal (see Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:14-16). The Spirit will produce within us (1) peace of mind, (2) comfort of heart, (3) spiritual joy. 2. External. (1) Language. Conversation such as becometh the gospel of Christ. (2) Profession. We shall appear as the sons of the family of God; have the family badge, be enrolled in the family book, be found in the family circle, and sit at the family table. (3) Obedience. God's family has its laws, its specific rules for the government of itself, and for the direction of its conduct towards those who are without, III. ITS PRIVILEGES. 1. Deliverance from all the miseries of our pristine state. Poverty, rags, misery, ruin. 2. Investiture into all the benefits of Christ's family on earth. 3. A title to the celestial inheritance which Christ has bought and prepared for all who love Him. Application: 1. Learn the essential importance of this blessing. What would pardon and regeneration be without it? Let us seek the good of God's family. We are in it to labour as well as enjoy. 2. Invite strangers to become the sons and heirs of God. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. WEB: And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!"