How God Adopts His Children
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6, KJV)
When a human father adopts a child, he signs the necessary documents and takes on the role of a father. However, when God adopts a child, He does something beyond human capability—He doesn’t just go through a spiritual legal procedure or assume a role; He changes the very nature of the child to become His own.
Understanding human adoption helps us appreciate God’s adoption and see the key differences. There’s a distinct difference between being a child and being a servant or friend. The term “child” carries a unique set of rights, responsibilities, and privileges. An adopted child is fully a part of the family, with no distinction from a biological child. Yet, despite our best efforts, an adopted child does not share the biological father’s DNA.
In contrast, God’s method of adoption transcends human limitations. As the Creator, God has privileges beyond any human father. In Galatians 4:6, Paul reveals something remarkable about God’s adoptive process:
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
When God adopts His children, He changes their very nature, making them truly His. He gives them the same Spirit that makes His Son His own. When you receive the Holy Spirit in your heart, you receive the Spirit of God’s Son, making you a child of God by nature, not just by designation.
If God were human, we might say He made us His “biological” children. But God is spirit, and His children are spiritual, born of His Spirit, and like Him in nature—His children are spirit!
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6, KJV)
God’s children are spiritual beings like Him, carrying His “DNA”—His Spirit within their hearts.
Here’s the key point: When God calls you His child, it’s not just a title. You truly are His child, not because of any spiritual legal formality, but because you have been reborn with the very nature of God’s children.
So go ahead and call Him ‘Abba, Father,’ and let this awareness shape everything you do. There is no greater identity, calling, or destiny for you as a Christian than this: you are a child of God.
Meditate
Reflect on how God’s adoption changes your identity. How does this truth affect your daily life?
Apply the Word
Here are three steps to live out this truth: First, understand it fully. Second, accept it as true (believe). Third, live today as God’s children should—remembering how Jesus lived!
Pray
Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family and giving me Your Spirit. Help me to live as Your true child, reflecting Your nature in all I do.
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- Born of God, Hallelujah!
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