The Theology of Adoption

***Disclaimer:    

I am not a great theologian. 

I do not claim to have it all "figured out".

In fact, I am currently wading through what God says about adoption, what junk my head and heart believes that I am having to face and re-examine, and what that means for me - as a believer and as an individual. 

The following is an brief overview of teachings of individuals that I admire as well as my personal thoughts....not only that, but most importantly the Word. I only ask that you prayerfully consider the theology of adoption for the glory of God and the joy of the orphan.***
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To echo Mr. John Piper - "Adoption is at the heart of the Gospel."  But don't take his (or my) word on it...let's see what The Word says.

"Even as he chose in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."  Ephesians 1:4-7


"They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises....This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring." Romans 9:4-8

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." Galations 4:4-7

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:15

"And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, grown inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:23

If you have have experienced salvation...the acknowledgment you have sin in your life that creates a separation from God that can only be bridged by death, that Christ took the penalty for your sin by offering up His perfection and dying on the cross, and having recognized His love that drew Him to the cross is directed at you by accepting his gift and asking Him to be the leader and forgiver of your life...YOU have been adopted!

You cannot separate evangelism and the Gospel from the plight of the orphan. It is one of the greatest pictures we have of our salvation.

Why is God so passionate about the fatherless? (Exodus 22:22, Deut. 10:18, Deut 14:29, Deut. 26:12, Ps. 68:5, Ps. 82:3, Ps. 146:9, Is. 1:17, James 1:27)

The most recent statistics say that there are 163 Million orphans in the world.  The global orphan crisis is one of the greatest barriers to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in our lifetime.

Why?

Your relationship/experience with your earthly father strongly colors the way you view your heavenly Father.  What does it say to a child's heart when he has no earthly father?

We need a movement of the Holy Spirit in the Church to change the plight of the orphan and see the fatherless find a home in Christ.
 

 "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8

The Love Chapter - 1 Corinthians 13

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27


*I'm not sure how fluid my thoughts are today - still processing a lot. I hope this at least pricks your heart and causes you to seek the heart of God on behalf of the orphan and the idea of adoption.*

 
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Some great resources that more eloquently and thoroughly discuss the theology of adoption:

John Piper has a great message on the theology of adoption you can check out here: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/resources/adoption-the-heart-of-the-gospel

"Adoption Within the Story of Redemption" Dan Cruver

Book recommendation: "Adopted For Life" by Russell Moore

There are also a few organizations/resources you can access on my sidebar!