328. GAL 4:5. ADOPTION
Gal_4:5. Adoption
"The adoption of sons."’97Gal_4:5.
It is not uncommon, when standing by the side of a fine flowing river, to be anxious to ascertain its source, and to know all concerning its progress. Salvation may be thus likened to a stream, and in divine revelation we are instructed in all that relates to its rise, and channel, and course; the love of God is its source; the merits of Jesus its channel; and in its career, there is, first, the redemption of the world; then the justification of the believer; then the regeneration of those who are justified; afterwards, the adoption of the regenerate into the divine family; then their growth and advancement in sanctification; and finally, the stream goes to its native source, and terminates in the ocean of the presence of God, where there are pleasures for evermore. This morning we have got to that part of the saving stream denominated adoption. Let us consider,
I. In what it consists.
II. Its Signs.
III. Its Privileges.
Notice,
I. In what does Adoption consist.
Adoption is the translation of a person out of one family into another, and was often practised, both by the Romans and the Grecians, who, when childless, adopted some other child, and gave it the family name, and also, the title to the family inheritance. Such is natural adoption, and spiritual adoption is that 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. Now, the points of resemblance between natural and spiritual adoption are these,
(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. Prodigal ceased to wear his rags, had the best robe; so believers put on the Lord Jesus Christ, have he joyful garments of salvation. Observe, next, the 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 of the Lord are thousands of thousands. He could raise of the stones, children to Abraham.
(2) Natural adoption was only of sons. But God says to all believers, I will be a Father to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord; there is no distinction of color, or age, or sex; neither male nor female, bond nor free; Christ is all, and in all.
(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 his own image; they are as really and truly his spiritual children by regeneration, as they are his creatures by creation.
(4) In natural adoption, only one was adopted; but God adopts multitudes. His seed shall be as numerous as the sands on the seashore. See Heb_2:10.
(5) In natural adoption, only temporal advantages were derived, but in spiritual, the blessings are eternal, even life for evermore. Observe, then,
II. The signs of Adoption.
Now, these signs are of two kinds,
1. Internal.
See chap. iv. 6; Rom_8:14-16. Now, the Spirit will produce within us, peace of mind. "The fruit of the Spirit is peace," &c. Comfort of heart; hence, he is styled the Comforter; solid comfort he imparts to the soul; hence, we read of the Christian’s walking in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, Act_9:31; spiritual joy, see Gal_5:22; 1Pe_1:8. Now observe,
2. The external signs of adoption.
I shall confine myself to three things.
(1) Language. We shall speak the language of the kingdom of Canaan; our speech will betray us, this we cannot avoid; our conversation will be 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. Jehovah will be our God, Jesus our salvation; and his people our friends.
(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. "Ye are my friends," &c. "If ye love me," &c. Notice,
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.
The supply of all our need; constant care and protection of God; a right of access to God at all times and places.
3. A title to the celestial inheritance which Christ has bought and prepared for all who love him.
See ver. 7. "Heirs of God!" how great how sublime, how vast, how inconceivable, how eternal; heirs of God’s name, nature, favor, heaven, glory; what a fund of blessedness! "The adoption of sons."
Application
1. Learn the essential importance of this blessing. What would pardon and regeneration be without it? God forgives, changes, and then takes us into his family.
2. Let us seek the good of his family. We are in it, to labor as well as enjoy; let our hearts be set upon its happiness and welfare.
3. Invite strangers to become the sons and heirs of God.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS