Adoption as a Reformed Theological Doctrine
Adoption, in a theological context, refers to the act by which God brings believers into His family, granting them the status and privileges of children [1]. This concept is central to Reformed theology, emphasizing God's sovereign grace in establishing a new relationship with humanity. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term, drawing parallels to the Roman custom where a person without natural heirs could adopt a child, bestowing upon them all the rights and responsibilities of a natural son [2].
Biblically, adoption is presented as a spiritual reality for believers. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:5 that God "predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire" [5]. This predestination highlights God's initiative and sovereign will in the process [3]. Similarly, Romans 8:15 speaks of receiving "the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father," indicating an intimate, familial relationship with God [3]. This spiritual adoption is not merely a change in status but involves a profound transformation, often connected with new birth and regeneration [3, 4]. John 1:12 states that "to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," linking faith directly to this adoptive status [3].
The concept of adoption is rooted in God's historical relationship with Israel, whom He adopted as His national son (Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 7:6; Hosea 11:1; Romans 9:4) [1]. This national adoption foreshadows the spiritual adoption available to individuals through Christ. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of God's desire to "put thee among the children" of God, recognizing this as a "high and honourable privilege" [8].
Reformed theology emphasizes that adoption is an act of God's grace, not earned by human merit [3]. It is "through Christ" that believers are adopted (John 1:12; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:5; Hebrews 2:10, 13) [3]. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role, serving as a witness to this adoption (Romans 8:16) and leading those who are adopted (Romans 8:14) [3]. This leading by the Spirit is considered evidence of one's status as a child of God [3].
John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, explains that adoption is an act of God's "special adopting grace," which is "secret in his own heart, and is secured in divine predestination, and in the covenant of grace" [9]. He distinguishes adoption from regeneration, noting that while regeneration gives believers the "nature of the children of God," adoption itself "makes them the children of God, and entitles them to the inheritance" [9]. Regeneration and faith, according to Gill, do not make someone a child of God but rather manifest that they already are [9]. This distinction underscores the Reformed emphasis on God's prior, electing grace.
The privileges associated with adoption are extensive. They include being heirs of God's blessings [6], being welcomed into fellowship with other believers [7], and experiencing a close relationship with God as a loving Father [2]. Those who are adopted are gathered together in one by Christ (John 11:52) [3]. The ultimate inheritance for God's adopted children is eternal life and blessings, contingent on their perseverance [6].
The doctrine of adoption highlights the profound change in relationship between God and the believer, moving from alienation to intimate family membership, all based on God's gracious initiative through Jesus Christ.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Adoption — The giving to any one the name and place and privileges of a son who is not a son by birth. (1.) Natural. Thus Pharaoh's daughter adopted Moses (Ex. 2:10), and Mordecai Esther (Esther 2:7). (2.) National. God adopted Israel (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 7:6; Hos. 11:1; Rom. 9:4). (3.) Spiritual. An act of God's grace by which he brings men into the number of his redeemed family, and makes them partakers of all the blessings he has provided for them. Adoption represents the new relations into which the believer is introduced by justification, and the privileges connecte”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Adoption — an expression used by St. Paul in reference to the present and prospective privileges of Christians. (Romans 8:15,23; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5) He probably alludes to the Roman custom by which a person not having children of his own might adopt as his son one born of other parents. The relationship was to all intents and purposes the same as existed between a natural father and son. The term is used figuratively to show the close relationship to God of the Christian. (Galatians 4:4,5; Romans 8:14-17) He is received into God's family from the world, and ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Adoption — Explained -- 2Co 6:18. Is according to promise -- Ro 9:8; Ga 3:29. Is by faith -- Ga 3:7,26. Is of God's grace -- Eze 16:3-6; Ro 4:16,17; Eph 1:5,6,11. Is through Christ -- Joh 1:12; Ga 4:4,5; Eph 1:5; Heb 2:10,13. Saints predestinated to -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:5,11. Of Gentiles, predicted -- Ho 2:23; Ro 9:24-26; Eph 3:6. The Adopted are gathered together in one by Christ -- Joh 11:52. New birth connected with -- Joh 1:12,13. The Holy Spirit is a Witness of -- Ro 8:16. Being led by the Spirit is an evidence of -- Ro 8:14. Saints receive the Spirit of -- Ro 8:15”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Baptism — As administered by John -- Mt 3:5-12; Joh 3:23; Ac 13:24; 19:4. Sanctioned by Christ's submission to it -- Mt 3:13-15; Lu 3:21. Adopted by Christ -- Joh 3:22; 4:1,2. Appointed an ordinance of the Christian church -- Mt 28:19,20; Mr 16:15,16. To be administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- Mt 28:19. Water, the outward and visible sign in -- Ac 8:36; 10:47. Regeneration, the inward and spiritual grace of -- Joh 3:3,5,6; Ro 6:3,4,11. Remission of sins, signified by -- Ac 2:38; 22:16. Unity of the Church effected by -- 1Co 12:13; Ga 3:27,2”
- Ephesians “having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire, -- Ephesians 1:5”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 21:7: 21:7 All who are victorious: God’s children who persevere in life will inherit his blessings. Adoption is a covenant relationship; the language of adoption certifies their privileges and responsibilities (cp. Gen 17:8; 2 Sam 7:14-16; Jer 31:33; Ezek 34:24).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 15:7: 15:7 To accept each other means more than grudgingly putting up with each other. We are to welcome other believers, with all their flaws and sins, into our fellowship and treat them as family (see study note on 12:10), just as Christ has accepted us, with all our flaws and sins, into his fellowship and family (5:8-11).”
- Jeremiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Jeremiah 3:19: But I said,.... Within himself, in the thoughts of his heart, when he took up a resolution concerning their conversion, open adoption, and return to their own land, as a symbol of the eternal inheritance: how shall I put thee among the children? among the children of God, who are so by special adopting grace, which is a high and honourable privilege, greater than to be the sons and daughters of the greatest potentate on earth; who as they are high birth, being born of God, so they are brought up, and fed, and clothed as the children of the King of kings; they have”
- 1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 3:10: In this the children of God are manifest,.... By regenerating grace, and not sinning, in the sense before explained, in consequence of it: adoption is an act of God's grace and sovereign will; it is secret in his own heart, and is secured in divine predestination, and in the covenant of grace, and is antecedent to regeneration: regeneration and faith do not make men the children of God, but manifest them to be so; adoption makes them the children of God, and entitles them to the inheritance; regeneration gives them the nature of the children of God, and makes them mee”