Q34. What is adoption?
Adoption is an act of God's free grace in which we are welcomed into his family and given all the rights of the sons of God.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 John 3:1
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
John 1:12
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Romans 8:17
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What is adoption?
- 2
What "rights" do God's children receive?
- 3
How does being adopted into God's family change the way you think about yourself?
Illustration
When a child is adopted into a family, that child gets the same last name, the same seat at the dinner table, and the same inheritance as every other child in the family. God does not bring us in as servants or guests. He brings us in as sons and daughters with full rights.
Application
This week, when you pray, start by saying "Father." Because God has adopted you into his family through Christ, you can speak to him the way a child speaks to a loving dad.