ADOPTION

What Is the Biblical Understanding of Adoption?
The Greek word is huiothesia, from huios, "son," and tithemi, "to set, put, or place." 

The word suggests the idea of putting one into the position of a son. It is used five times in the New Testament. 
  • The Christian's reception of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:38) is God's pledge that he has been adopted as a son. Unlike Christ, who was a son as to his very nature (i.e., deity; cf. Heb. 5:8), we have been adopted into the family of God by the new birth process (Jn. 3:3-5; cf. Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5).
  • The future resurrection of the body on the last day is spoken of as an adoption (Rom. 8:23). This suggests there is a fuller measure of inheritance than what we presently enjoy. 
  • The nation of Israel experienced adoption in the sense it was selected and used as a divine instrument to facilitate the coming of the Messiah (Rom. 9:4). However, each Jew is accountable to God for their own personal obedience (Rom. 1:16-17).

Related Articles

What Role Does Childbearing Play in Woman’s Salvation?

What was Paul’s meaning when he affirmed that woman could be saved through her child-bearing (1 Timothy 2:15)?

What Do You Know About the Holy Spirit?

A golden lamp stand with seven lights was placed in the ancient tabernacle of Jehovah. In the book of Revelation, we find the “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Rev. 4:5)—the number seven symbolizing the perfect Spirit of God. What do you know about the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit and the Apostles

The Holy Spirit was promised by Christ to his apostles for their special work.

The Authority of Jesus Christ

Authority is one of those words that usually creates an instant emotional reaction—in some folks, fear and distrust, in others safety and order. While Jesus was the image of love and gentleness, he also possesses and exercises great authority.

Was There Forgiveness Under the Law of Moses?

Why was forgiveness promised to the Israelites when the New Testament says their sacrifices could not provide forgiveness for sins?

Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson