Is Adoption About Me or God?
In Ephesians 1:5-6, Paul says that God "predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ." Before time began, God determined that He would extend His arms and embrace us. However, He hasn't simply embraced us as servants, though we rightly call Him King and consider ourselves His servants. In love, God has extended HIs arms to embrace us as His family, His household, His children (1 Jn. 3:1).
He took the initiative. He loved us. He sent Jesus Christ. He blesses us by making us His. And that raises the question. Is our adoption about us or about God? Certainly, our adoption does inform us. It teaches us of our intimacy and access to our heavenly Father (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). It also charges us with the repsonsibility to live as those who belong to the family of God (Eph. 5:1).
However, fundamentally, our adoption says something about God. It throws the spotlight on HIs love (Eph. 1:4; 1 Jn. 3:1). It highlights His grace (Eph. 1:6). This is why Paul erupts with praise: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has...predestined us for adoption" (Eph. 1:3, 5).
The adoption of the Christian does not cry out "I am great!" It cries out, "God is great!" If you're a Christian, take time and reflect on the greatness of God in adopting you. If not, turn to Jesus in faith, and you'll find yourself embraced by God as Father.
For more on the adoption of God, listen to this past Sunday's sermon:
