Of Adoption
1689 London Baptist Confession · 12.1–12.1
12.1. Of Adoption
All those that are justified, God vouchsafed, in, and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the Grace of Adoption; by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the Liberties, and Priveledges of Children of God; have his name put upon them, receive the Spirit of Adoption, have access to the throne of Grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastned by him, as by a Father; yet never cast off; but sealed to the day of Redemption, and inherit the promises, as heirs, of everlasting Salvation.
Proof texts
- Ephesians 1:5 — [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
- Galatians 4:4, 5 — [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
- John 1:12 — [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
- Romans 8:17 — [17] and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
- 2 Corinthians 6:18 — [18] and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
- Revelation 3:12 — [12] The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
- Romans 8:15 — [15] 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!”
- Galatians 4:6 — [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
- Ephesians 2:18 — [18] For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
- Psalms 103:13 — [13] As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
- Proverbs 14:26 — [26] In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
- 1 Peter 5:7 — [7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
- Hebrews 12:6 — [6] For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
- Isaiah 54:8, 9 — [8] In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer. [9] “This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you.
- Lamentations 3:31 — [31] For the Lord will not cast off forever,
- Ephesians 4:30 — [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
- Hebrews 1:14 — [14] Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
- Hebrews 6:12 — [12] so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Ephesians 1:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 18 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q34 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q74 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?