THE POWER OF DIVINE ADOPTION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 1:5
Key Verse: “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” — Ephesians 1:5 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 1:3-6; John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:4-7; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 John 3:1-2
Description: This message reveals the transforming power of divine adoption and the privileges, identity, inheritance, and responsibilities that belong to those who have become God's children through Christ.
INTRODUCTION
Ephesians 1:5 presents one of the most glorious privileges of salvation: God has brought believers into His family through Jesus Christ. Paul says that God “predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself”. Salvation is therefore more than the forgiveness of sins; it is also the gracious act by which God receives us as His children and gives us a new relationship with Himself.
Divine adoption changes our spiritual identity completely. A person who was once separated from God can now call Him Father. A sinner who was once under condemnation can now approach God with confidence. Someone who had no spiritual inheritance can now become an heir of God through Christ. This is the astonishing privilege of belonging to God's family.
Adoption also carries responsibility. God did not adopt us so that we could continue living according to our former nature. He adopted us so that we might bear the character of His family, enjoy fellowship with Him, obey His Word, represent Him on earth, and inherit His promises. Understanding divine adoption therefore gives us confidence, security, holiness, purpose, and hope.
1. DIVINE ADOPTION IS GOD'S GRACIOUS INITIATIVE
The foundation of our adoption is not human merit but God's grace. Ephesians 1:5 makes it clear that God Himself predestined us to adoption through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will. We did not earn our place in God's family; He graciously made a way for us to become His children.
This truth should produce humility and gratitude. We must never treat our relationship with God as though He owed us salvation. Everything we have received in Christ is an expression of divine grace.
a) CHOSEN BY GOD'S GRACE (Ephesians 1:4-5) – God chose us in Christ and ordained us for adoption. His choice demonstrates that salvation originates in His gracious purpose.
b) SAVED BY GRACE (Ephesians 2:8-9) – Salvation is the gift of God and cannot be earned through human works. Divine adoption therefore gives all glory to God rather than to human achievement.
c) CALLED INTO FELLOWSHIP (1 Corinthians 1:9) – God has called believers into the fellowship of His Son. Adoption brings us into a living relationship with God rather than merely giving us a religious identity.
d) RECEIVED THROUGH CHRIST (John 1:12) – Those who receive Christ and believe on His name are given power to become the sons of God. Christ is the door through which we enter the Father's family.
Biblical Example: Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13) – Mephibosheth had no natural claim to David's table, yet David graciously brought him into the king's presence because of his covenant with Jonathan. His story illustrates the undeserved favour of being brought into a privileged position.
2. DIVINE ADOPTION GIVES US A NEW IDENTITY
One of the greatest effects of adoption is a change of identity. When God adopts us through Christ, our old spiritual status no longer defines us. We are no longer strangers and outsiders; we become members of God's household.
This new identity should change how we think about ourselves. We should not continue allowing our past, failures, family background, rejection, or human opinions to determine our value. Our highest identity is found in our relationship with God.
a) CHILDREN OF GOD (John 1:12-13) – Those who receive Christ become children of God. This is not merely a title; it establishes a new spiritual relationship and identity.
b) THE CHILDREN OF THE FATHER (2 Corinthians 6:18) – God promises, “I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.” The believer has entered into a personal relationship with the Almighty.
c) A CHOSEN GENERATION (1 Peter 2:9) – God's people are described as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. Our identity should influence our conduct and mission.
d) A NEW CREATION (2 Corinthians 5:17) – Anyone who is in Christ is a new creature. Adoption is part of a complete spiritual transformation in which the believer receives a new standing before God.
Biblical Example: Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17; 4:13-17) – Ruth left her former identity and people to embrace Naomi and the God of Israel. God subsequently gave her a new place among His people and brought her into the lineage of Christ. Her story illustrates the blessing that can accompany a new covenant identity.
3. DIVINE ADOPTION GIVES US ACCESS TO THE FATHER
Before Christ, humanity was separated from God by sin. Through Christ, however, believers have been brought near. Adoption means that God is not merely a distant Creator; He becomes our Father, and we can approach Him with confidence.
The Holy Spirit confirms this relationship within us. We can pray, worship, cry to God, seek His help, and depend upon Him with the confidence of children approaching a loving Father.
a) CRYING “ABBA, FATHER” (Romans 8:15) – The Spirit of adoption enables believers to cry, “Abba, Father.” This speaks of intimacy, relationship, confidence, and belonging.
b) ACCESS TO THE THRONE OF GRACE (Hebrews 4:16) – Because of Christ, believers can come boldly to God's throne to receive mercy and find grace for timely help.
c) ACCESS THROUGH ONE SPIRIT (Ephesians 2:18) – Through Christ, we have access by one Spirit unto the Father. The believer is not spiritually excluded from God's presence.
d) PRAYING TO OUR FATHER (Matthew 6:9) – Jesus taught His disciples to begin prayer with “Our Father”. Prayer is therefore not merely presenting requests; it is fellowship between children and their heavenly Father.
Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Mark 1:35) – Jesus consistently withdrew to pray and maintain fellowship with the Father. His prayer life demonstrates the importance of intimate communion with God.
4. DIVINE ADOPTION GIVES US AN INHERITANCE
Adoption carries the privilege of inheritance. In human families, children may receive an inheritance from their parents. In God's family, those who are adopted through Christ become heirs of God's promises and fellow-heirs with Christ.
The believer's inheritance is not limited to material possessions. It includes eternal life, God's promises, spiritual blessings, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and ultimately eternal fellowship with God.
a) HEIRS OF GOD (Romans 8:16-17) – If we are children, then we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. Our position as God's children carries eternal privileges.
b) AN INHERITANCE INCORRUPTIBLE (1 Peter 1:3-4) – Peter describes an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for believers. No earthly force can destroy what God has prepared.
c) HEIRS ACCORDING TO PROMISE (Galatians 3:29) – Those who belong to Christ are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Our inheritance is connected to God's covenant faithfulness.
d) ETERNAL LIFE (Titus 3:7) – Having been justified by grace, believers are made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Our ultimate inheritance extends beyond this present world.
Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) – Although the prodigal son abandoned his father's house, his return resulted in restoration. His father welcomed him, clothed him, and restored him to a place of sonship. The story powerfully illustrates the Father's heart towards those who return to Him.
5. DIVINE ADOPTION BRINGS SECURITY AND ASSURANCE
A child who knows he belongs to a loving family does not constantly live in fear of being a stranger. In the same way, believers can have confidence in their relationship with God. Divine adoption gives us spiritual security and assurance.
This does not encourage careless living. Rather, knowing that we belong to God should motivate us to remain faithful to Him. Our confidence rests in His grace, while our lives demonstrate that we genuinely belong to Him.
a) THE SPIRIT BEARS WITNESS (Romans 8:16) – The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. There is an inward assurance of our relationship with Him.
b) NOT A SPIRIT OF FEAR (Romans 8:15) – We have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear. God's children are called to live in the confidence of His fatherly relationship.
c) NOT FORSAKEN (Hebrews 13:5) – God has promised never to leave nor forsake His people. His presence provides assurance in seasons of difficulty and uncertainty.
d) NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM GOD'S LOVE (Romans 8:38-39) – Paul declares that nothing in creation can separate believers from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. God's love provides a strong foundation for spiritual confidence.
Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 17:37; Psalm 23:1-6) – David developed deep confidence in God as his Shepherd and Father. His trust enabled him to face lions, bears, giants, enemies, and difficult seasons without abandoning his confidence in God.
6. DIVINE ADOPTION REQUIRES THE CHARACTER OF GOD'S CHILDREN
Privileges always carry responsibilities. If we are God's children, our lives should resemble the family to which we belong. We should not claim the name of God's children while deliberately living contrary to His character.
The world should be able to see something different in us. Our speech, conduct, relationships, compassion, forgiveness, purity, integrity, and love should reflect the character of our heavenly Father.
a) IMITATING OUR FATHER (Ephesians 5:1-2) – Paul commands believers to be followers of God as dear children and to walk in love. Children naturally learn from their parents; God's children must learn from their heavenly Father.
b) LOVING ONE ANOTHER (1 John 4:7) – John teaches that love is evidence of knowing God because God is love. Divine adoption should produce genuine love among believers.
c) WALKING IN HOLINESS (1 Peter 1:14-16) – As obedient children, believers must not conform themselves to former sinful desires. Our new identity should produce a new lifestyle.
d) BEARING THE FAMILY LIKENESS (Matthew 5:44-45) – Jesus calls His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them so that they may demonstrate the character of their heavenly Father.
Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) – When Stephen was being attacked, he prayed for his persecutors rather than responding with hatred. His response reflected the character of Christ and demonstrated the family likeness of a true child of God.
CONCLUSION
Divine adoption is one of the greatest privileges of salvation. Through Jesus Christ, God has brought us from separation into fellowship, from condemnation into acceptance, from spiritual slavery into sonship, and from having no inheritance into becoming heirs of God. We can call God our Father, approach His presence with confidence, enjoy His promises, and look forward to an eternal inheritance.
Therefore, live consciously as a child of God. Do not return to the identity, habits, and bondage from which Christ delivered you. Walk in holiness, love others, pray with confidence, trust your heavenly Father, serve faithfully, and represent your Father's character wherever you go. Let your life demonstrate the power of divine adoption and bring glory to God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to understand and continually walk in my identity as Your child, in Jesus name.
3. Father, remove every spirit of fear, rejection, and insecurity from my life, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, give me grace to approach Your presence with confidence and maintain intimate fellowship with You, in Jesus name.
5. Father, let every blessing and inheritance You have prepared for me in Christ become evident in my life, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, help me to trust You completely as my heavenly Father in every circumstance, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let the character of Christ be clearly manifested in my life as Your child, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, deliver me from every habit and attitude that does not represent Your family, in Jesus name.
9. Father, make my life a testimony of Your grace and a blessing to everyone around me, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, help me to remain faithful as Your child until I receive the fullness of my eternal inheritance, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You are a child of God through Christ, and you shall walk daily in the confidence, authority, privileges, and blessings of your divine adoption.
2. Every voice of rejection, abandonment, and insecurity speaking against your identity shall be silenced, and you shall know that you belong to God.
3. You shall approach the throne of grace with boldness, and you shall receive mercy and grace for every need in your life.
4. You shall enjoy the inheritance that God has prepared for His children, and no power shall steal your portion in Christ.
5. You shall not live as a spiritual orphan; you shall experience the love, presence, provision, protection, and guidance of your heavenly Father.
6. The character of your heavenly Father shall increasingly be seen in your words, conduct, relationships, and decisions.
7. You shall overcome every fear that has limited your faith, and you shall walk confidently in your position as a child of God.
8. You shall receive divine strength to remain faithful in difficult seasons, knowing that your Father will never abandon you.
9. Your life shall testify to the transforming power of God's grace, and many shall be drawn to Christ through your testimony.
10. You shall finish your Christian journey faithfully and inherit the eternal promises prepared for you as a child of God, to the glory of His name.
