In part 1, we defined adoption theologically. In part 2 and part 3, we looked at adoption’s connection with the order of salvation (from election to glorification). In part 4, we looked at three privileges that God’s children receive because of their adoption. In this final post, we examine three duties of the Christian life that are rooted in adoption.
Duty #1: Emulation/Imitation of God
Just as children take on the physical traits of their earthly fathers, so Christians (since they are God’s children by faith in Christ) are called to put on the the traits of their Father in heaven. This is Paul’s point in Ephesians 5:1: “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Note Paul’s reasoning. Because you are God’s children (indicative), therefore imitate Him (imperative). What Christians are must determine how they live.
In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul says that God “chose us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ.” Walking in holiness and living blamelessly are an outflow of God’s electing love and adopting grace. Therefore, Christians seek in all aspects of their lives to walk in conformity to God’s will on the basis of their adoption.
Christians seek to live “as obedient children, not conforming [themselves] to the former lusts” (1 Peter 1:14). Peter reasons that if Christians “call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work,” then they ought to “conduct [themselves] throughout the time of [their] stay here in fear” (1 Peter 1:15). The Bible is clear. Adoption leads to sanctification as a Christian perfects holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Duty #2: Contented and Confident Submission
God’s children are called to live in patient and trusting submission to God’s will. What is submission? Submission is defined as “the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.” Here, a Christian is to yield willingly in times of adversity and be thankful in times of plenty for what their Father has ordained for them.
The Heidleberg Catechism defines the doctrine of providence in this way: “God’s almighty providence is his almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed all things, come to us not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.” Adoption sweetens the doctrine of providence so that the Christian knows that whatever befalls him or her happens because of God’s fatherly hand.
Therefore, in times of peace and plenty Christians must be thankful children. And in times of adversity and loss, Christians are not to grumble or complain about God’s dealings, but patiently submit under his mighty hand, trusting that what God has willed is for their good (Romans 8:28).
Duty #3: Love for the Brethren
The church is a family made up of God’s adopted children. And God’s children are called to love their spiritual siblings. Every time the New Testament uses the language of brothers or brotherhood, the familial nature of the church is being stressed. This is because God takes individuals and he joins them to a community that Paul calls the household of faith. And it is this household that is to receive the priority of place in Christian service. Paul writes in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
The emphasis on love in the New Testament ethic is rooted in Jesus’ own teaching. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
Paul writes, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10). “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8). The author of Hebrews writes, “Let love for the brothers continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Peter says, “Love the brotherhood” (1 Peter 2:17). Notice the top priority Peter places on love: “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Petere 4:8).
In fact, John tells us that the distinction between God’s child and the worldling is found right here. “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:10). The important thing to note is that this distinctly Christian love flows from a rich understanding of God’s adopting grace.
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