THE HOPE OF ADOPTION

10/08/2022

"Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?" (Romans 8:24) Bible hope is not a wish or enthusiastic anticipation. It is a guarantee from God that when you act on it, it would produce a predetermined result. In essence, Biblical hope is what guarantees that the Christian life is not a hit-and-miss experience. Hope is an assurance from God that if you take a prescribed action or cause of action, a predetermined result is inescapable. That said, one of the guarantees that you have in the word of God is adoption. What is adoption? Adoption is the attainment of maturity in the mould and character of the Son of God. What do I mean? In Bible times, there were two concepts of sonship. The first concept had to do with nativity. You were born a son or daughter of someone. In relation to this first concept, the Bible declares,, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). This first type of sonship means that you are God's child or offspring. It's a present-hour reality and there's no hope involved in being God's child. The other type of sonship is related to adoption which relates to maturing in terms of character. Prior to the start of Jesus' ministry, one of the credentials that He attained was sonship by adoption. The Bible records this in Matthew 3:17 that after Jesus was baptized at the Jordan by John the Baptist "And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Now, the chief objective of you being a Christain is not for you to go to heaven but for you to attain sonship by adoption. Romans 8:29 says, For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." And so it is up to you to hit that target in this life or wait for it, at the redemption of our bodies. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 says, of us while we are still in the process of maturing into sonship by adoption that "... we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away." That which is perfect is the adoption and it has been guaranteed to the child of God but you have to act correspondingly. The fact that Jesus attained it here on earth means you too can attain it. So how do I attain the adoption? By putting yourself in a position of submission to be mentored by the Holy Spirit in the word of God. And Hebrews 5:8-9 gives us a hint on how this perfection was attained. It says, "though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him". Hear me, there is a curated curriculum specific to you that Holy Spirit has for you. These may be messages, Bible studies and books that you need to listen to and read over and over to be able to pass certain tests on the road to your adoption. Understand that even though you are a child of God, the Lord wants to adopt Sons, who are ready to imprint His agenda everywhere they go. That you can be adopted is already guaranteed, the rest depends on you to act desirous of the adoption. God bless you. Faith-Filled Confession I am an heir of God aware that as long as I remain a child, I am no different from a slave. Therefore, I submit myself to the Spirit-curated curriculum for my adoption so that in the end, at the judgement, I would have manifested my adoption as a Son of God in character and learning. So help me Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Isaiah 31-33; Philippians 1