The Spirit Of Adoption

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ 

Romans 8:15 

How do we become the children of God? We are born ‘the children of wrath.’ We are the sons and daughters of Adam’s fallen race. We are not, by nature, the children of God. In order for us to become members of His family, He must do what is necessary to change both our nature and our status. Enter the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit regenerates, gives repentance, faith and enables us to embrace Christ as the gospel freely offers Him. Christ has done all that is necessary to make us acceptable to God regarding our justification. The Holy Spirit applies the redemption purchased by Christ unto all for whom God intends it. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, as is adoption. What God does legally because of the work of Christ, the Holy Spirit brings to us personally. Thus He makes Christ real unto us. He brings to us the spiritual appropriation of the work of Christ. As He does, we receive the Spirit of adoption and as children, cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ This means the fear that ruled our lives need do so no longer. We are now the children of God by adoption. 

Our Kind and Loving Father, 
we rejoice that You have made us Your children. 
We praise You that we are members of Your family, 
not just for time, but for eternity. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning