Salvation Part 3 – Adoption
Subject: Salvation Part 3 – Adoption
Scripture Reading: Romans 8: 14 - 30
Memory Verse: Ephesians 1: 5
Introduction: ‘Adoption’ comes from the Greek huiothesia, meaning to place as a son—a legal placement into the full status of an heir. It does not mean ‘born again.” Adoption is legal placement into God’s family with full rights, privileges, and inheritance. Through adoption, God not only saves us from wrath but brings us into His family, giving us a new Father, a new inheritance, a new identity, and a new relationship with Him.
1. What was our condition before adoption? Ephesians 2: 1 - 3, John 8: 44, Galatians 4: 1 - 3
2. How does God grant adoption, and what does it cost? Galatians 4: 4 - 5, Ephesians 1: 5 - 7
3. What is the basis of our adoption, and how does it happen? John 1: 12 – 13, Romans 8: 14
Note: Adoption makes believers ‘sons’ (huioi) in standing, even while they mature as children (tekna) in experience. It is rooted in the cross. Christ purchased our release so God could legally take us in as sons. Adoption is grace, not lineage, ancestry, or merit.
4. What evidence confirms that we have been adopted? Romans 8: 15 - 16, Galatians 4: 6
5. Identify the privileges that come with adoption. Romans 8: 17, Ephesians 2: 19, 1 Peter 1: 3 - 5
6. What responsibilities come with adoption? Ephesians 5: 1, Romans 8: 13 - 14, 1 John 3: 1 - 3
Note: Adoption produces assurance, not anxiety. It gives believers both present privileges and future inheritance. Adoption does not excuse sin, but it motivates holy obedience out of family resemblance.
7. What is the final stage of adoption? Romans 8: 23, Philippians 3: 20 - 21, 1 Corinthians 15: 50 - 54
8. How does adoption secure our assurance of salvation? Romans 8: 29 - 30, Hebrews 12: 5 - 8
Conclusion: The doctrine of adoption shows that salvation is more than rescue from judgment. God not only forgives; He receives, restores, names, loves, and claims sinners as His own beloved children. Through Christ, we are redeemed by His blood, justified by His righteousness, indwelt by His Spirit, sanctified by His power, adopted into His family, and promised future glorification. Adoption reveals the heart of salvation: not only justification before a Judge, but belonging to a Father.