WCF 12.1

12.1. Of Adoption

All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for 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 privileges of the 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 chastened 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

• Eph. 1:5 — [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
• Gal. 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.
• Rom. 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.
• 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,
• Jer. 14:9 — [9] Why should you be like a man confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot save? Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us.”
• 2 Cor. 6:18 — [18] and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
• Rev. 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.
• Rom. 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!”
• Eph. 3:12 — [12] in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
• Rom. 5:2 — [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
• Gal. 4:6 — [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
• Ps. 103:13 — [13] As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
• Prov. 14:26 — [26] In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
• Matt. 6:30, 32 — [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
• 1 Pet. 5:7 — [7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
• Heb. 12:6 — [6] For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
• Lam. 3:31 — [31] For the Lord will not cast off forever,
• Eph. 4:30 — [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
• Heb. 6:12 — [12] so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
• 1 Pet. 1:3, 4 — [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
• Heb. 1:14 — [14] Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Eph. 1:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 21 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q34 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WLC Q74 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q34 · WLC Q74 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · IAR 5.6 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3