Adoption: The Result Of The Plan

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born a of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. … 

Galatians 4:4-5 

We come today to consider the implications of spiritual adoption. If we read the two verses which comprise our text for the next few days, we see that the last phrase sets forth for us the glorious end result of the plan and purpose of the Sovereign God. It reads, ‘that we might receive ‘the adoption of sons.’ As we begin our contemplations, let us consider, please, the words, ‘But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son….’ This indicates to us that the end result under discussion, that is, adoption, is the result of God’s Providential Plan. Verse two corroborates this idea when it speaks of ‘the time appointed by the Father.’ The Scripture teaches us everywhere that God has a Providential Plan. He has ‘foreordained, whatsoever comes to pass.’ He carries out His Sovereign Decrees ‘in His Works of Creation and Providence.’  Therefore, when we come to the matter of our adoption into the family of God, it must be the result of this Providential Plan of which we have been speaking. Beyond controversy, ‘The Lord knows those who are His.’ Our adoption into the Family of God is, in every way included in the Plan of God which He is carrying out over the course of human history. He does all things ‘in the fullness of time.’ He has included our adoption in that plan. 

Our Great and Gracious God, 
We rejoice that You do ‘all things after the counsel of Your Own Will.’ 
We praise You that You have included us  
within the fullness of Your Providential Plan. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning