ADOPTION

In today’s world adoption is understood as legally making and accepting a child as one’s own, and the child becomes a part of the family with equal rights under the law.

In the New Testament writings Paul defined adoption a little differently. First through the new birth one was born into the family of GOD, and then the process of adoption places that son into the body of Christ with all the privileges and rights of a son of GOD.

Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."

In the Old Testament Moses was adopted as pharaoh son; And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words.

As an adopted son, Moses had all the rights and privileges as an heir of pharaoh.

There are many benefits of being adopted into the family of God through the new Birth. The repentant sinner is taken in; given liberty and privilege; a new name; and through the Spirit infilling is adopted, thus enabling the born again person to approach God with confidence.

While the new birth and adoption are a simultaneous act, each has an important part in understanding our standing before GOD.

First through the redemption process, we receive a new nature, sinless before GOD, and we stand righteous before HIM. Through adoption we are placed as a son with son-ship rights, and have the right to claim that which is ours.

When we pray we can approach the throne of GOD as his son, and we speak to HIM as his child and heir, this is the basis for our confidence when we pray.

While GOD doesn't need to be reminded of this fact, we do need to remember that we are heirs of his promise, and keep it in view when we petition HIM.

I have read many formulas for prayer but this one thing is important to remember; respect GOD for who HE is, and honor your position in Christ as a child of GOD.

Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. "Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!