Adoption: Position & Privilege

They are Israelite's, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.  To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

Romans    9: 4-5

     I love it when John says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called sons of God." (1 John 3:1)  The depth of God's love is incomprehensible.  It is a mystery that One so Holy and righteous and feel such compassion and love for a people who are at enmity with Him (Romans 8:7-8).  Yet, He does not only love us to a degree to befriend us.  He loves us to the degree that he goes beyond all human reason and ability to make us his sons and daughters. And not only his sons and daughters, but heirs, with Christ, to His kingdom.  He not only gives us access, but also privilege and position.

     In this text, Romans, 9:4-5, I want to look at the idea of position and privilege.  This text seems to imply that Israel was adopted by God as a people group.  However, I would argue that Paul is not saying that Israel was merely adopted, but that they were brought into existence by God, like a son who is born, and enjoyed God's election and redemption; in essence a special position and privilege.

What does the Old Testament say about adoption?

     Adoption is not an overarching theme in the Old Testament.   There are some texts that seem to point to Israel as God’s adopted son (Exodus 4:22; 2 Samuel 7:11-16; Ezekiel 16:1-2; Hosea 11:1), but after historical and exegetical analysis, these text do not give a clear conclusion of adoption in the Old Testament.  Trevor Burke explains in his book, Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor, that “ When we trace adoption back to the Old Testament, however, the linguistic evidence is lacking and it is difficult to identify one specific text…in adoption terms.  The subject of adoption is very hazy in the Old Testament and it is impossible to trace adoption to Jewish law.”[1] 

Father-son relationship

     Instead, Israel’s relationship to God is often described as a father-son relationship.  This relationship is more times than not, presented in terms of redemption and election rather than in terms of adoption.[2]   God’s divine love and initiative is the basis for Israel’s relationship as a son.  The Lord brought Israel intobeing (Ex 4:22; Deut 32:6, 18; Jer 31:9, 20; Hos 11:1;) and reared him as a son ( Isa 1:2; cf 30:9; Jer 3:22).  


     Bruce Waltke in his commentary An Old Testament Theology,  citing Christopher J. H. Wright, argues that Israel, was not adopted, but was rather brought into existence by God.  Wright says “Israel is addressed as a “son” of God (singular) who was sovereignly brought into being by God ( Exod 4:22; Deut 32:6, 18; Jer 31:9; Hosea 11:1).  Israel owes its existence to the Lord’s creative or “procreative” action, because the Lord brought them into existence.  The nation was not adopted by the Lord but formed by Him, because it had no existence apart from the Lord bringing them into being.  Furthermore, Israel is not his son by its choice and action but by the Lord’s election of them. (cf: Isa 43:6; 63:16; 64:8; Jer 31:9;, 20: Hos 1:10, 11:1ff.).”


     Even though Israel failed miserably in their fidelity to God, God remained faithful to them; redeeming them as His people.  This is best exemplified in Isaiah 63:16 and Deuteronomy 7:7.  In Isaiah 63:16, the prophet prays for God’s mercy toward his wavering son and acknowledges; “16For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.”  In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, the Lord explains that in His sovereign love He elected Israel to be His son; “7It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8but it is because the LORD loves you…”  (cf: Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 32:6; Hosea 11:1; Isaiah 63:15-16; 54:8). [3]

     Sonship, in light of election and redemption, is a more important theme in the landscape of the Old Testament.[4]  This theme is clearly seen throughout the entirety of both canons of scripture.  Adoption, being more of a New Testament theme, specifically Pauline, is better understood with the back drop of sonship in relation to the Old Testament.

Adopted: What Manner or Love is This?

"They are Israelite's, and to them belong the adoption (huiothesia)..."

     The word huiothesia is used here in reference to adoption.  In the immediate context, it seems to appear that the Israelites were adopted by God; in the sense that they were spiritual orphans and God adopted them as a people.  However, as we stated before, the Old Testament does not verify this conclusion and instead speaks to God raising up a people and having a special relationship with them.  The emphasis on Israel’s position as a son of God has greater value and depth in the Old Testament than adoption.  

     Being that huiothesia is used in a string of gifts and promises given to the Israelites as God’s son, it could be argued that Paul is speaking more of position here than adoption.  Trevor Burke contends that, “For Paul, huiothesia was a privilege that adhered to Israel as a whole, setting this nation apart from surrounding nations for blessings and service.”[5]  Israel was God’s chosen people, whom he redeemed for Himself.   He gave them his promise that he would never leave or forsake them.  He gave them the privilege of knowing the law the right way to worship.  Through Israel, he gave the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world.  No other nation on earth has enjoyed the rights and privileges that Israel has enjoyed.  They were chosen in God’s divine love and redeemed as His son.  

     The church, those whom God has adopted, enjoys a special blessing of God’s grace and love.  We are also considered sons and daughters and by God’s grace through the work of Christ.   We are not just liberated from our sin and made right before God, we are loved as His children and given full rights and privileges.  Thomas Schreiner, in regards to adoption writes,  "How great is the love of God, for He sent his Son to liberate us from sin.  But the love of God did not stop with justification and liberation.  We are not only justified, but we also have all the rights and privileges of children.  We are deeply and dearly loved as children of God."[6]

     Consider what John says in the first verse of the third chapter of his first epistle, "Look at the sort of love the Father has given us, that we should be called sons of God!" (1 John 3:1)  The idea in the beginning of this text is that God lavished the entirety of His love on us.  What does this mean?  It means that everyone who receives Christ, who believe in His name, God gives the right to become His children-not born of natural descent, not human decision or a husbands will, but born of God (John 1:12-13). [7] How does this affect us?  John answers this later in verse two when he says, " We are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when he appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."  

     The outcome of God's love is that we are His children.  Christ is the means by which God's love is manifested to us.  In Christ, God does not just adopt us, he transforms us into something greater.  In Christ, we are not the unlovable foster kid lacking in love and identity who spends much of his time and energy trying to live up to the expectations of his foster parents in comparison to the biological children.  We are transformed into the likeness of His Son, pure, without sin, and gloriously beautiful.  And we are not just children, who have been changed, but we sit at the right of the Father, with Christ, with the power and authority to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).

     Christian, remember that you are no longer a slave, nor even a friend.  You are a child of the living God.  He loves you as He loves His Son.  There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more, and there is nothing you have done or will do will make Him love you less.  This is what it means to be an heir to His kingdom.  This is what it means to be a adopted into His family.

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[1] Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006. Pg 49; 70-71

[2] Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006. Pg 71

[3] Waltke, Bruce K. with Charles Yu. An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervon, 2007.

     To see an argument for Israel’s adoption, see Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsh, [1857-78] Biblical 

     Commentary on the Old Testament; Ezekiel 16.

[4] Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006. Pg 71 
[5] Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006. Pg 48
[6] Shreiner, Thomas. Galatians: Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Edited by Clinton Arnold.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010. pg 273
[7]  Kruse, Collin. The Letters of John. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000. pg 115

Peace For the Marginal & Insignificant

     It is often said that Christmas is a time of peace.  We see the billboard signs with the saying “Peace on Earth & Good-will to Men” in the city.  We send cards with pictures of snowflakes and angels offering good tidings to our friends and acquaintances.  We sing songs that tell of joy and harmony and merry cheer for the entire world.  However, many of us live in a reality that is far from peaceful.

     Many families are hurting.  Some fathers are fighting in a foreign land.  Some mothers are alone working two jobs to make ends meet.  Some sons are sick; battling a disease there is no cure for.  Some daughters are seeking comfort from men who promise much but deliver little.  Yes, many of us are feeling the weight of insignificance, living in the land of the marginal.  Peace is not an adjective that many of us use to describe our current position in life; and rightly so, for we are a broken people in need of a redemptive solution.

     In Luke 2: 14 we hear the angels say, as they announce the birth of Christ  to a group of shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  Shepherds, in the time of Christ birth, were considered lowly and insignificant.  They were the untouchables of the Jewish community.  Considered dirty and deceitful, they were not respected in the community as anyone of worth. They were the insignificant and the marginal.  Yet to these, against all human reason and wisdom,  God brought the greatest news the earth has ever received; peace has come.  

     Peace has come not to the rich or the politically astute, nor to the philosophers and poets, or to the pompest and prestigious.  No, God first announced the birth of His son to the pawns of the world, the poppers and vagabonds.  He went to the broken, the needy, the hopeless, and proclaimed a solution to man’s brokenness, a cure to the human condition of turmoil and dysfunction;  this day the Savior is born.

     No longer does man have to live in enmity with God. No longer does man have to live in a broken state apart from any hope or remedy.  Christmas is a time of peace.  It is a time when the world is given a glimpse of the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).  A peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27), but only the one born of a virgin, that was placed in an animal eating trough, and worshiped by magi (Luke 2:1-21).  It is a peace that will one day wipe away ever tear and lay all fear to rest.  And God gives this peace to those whom He is pleased, those who know His Son Jesus Christ.

     This Christmas season, when you read the billboard signs and the cards, when you sing your songs, keep in mind that the peace you are reading of, speaking of, and singing of, truly exists and within your reach.  He is no longer a humble child, laying in a feeding trough, being hunted by a tyrant (Matthew 2:1-7).  He is a mighty King, reigning at the right hand of His Father, redeeming the marginal and insignificant for His kingdom.  This Christmas, here the words of Jesus, " I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me.  In this world you will have trouble.  Take heart!  I have won the battle over the world."  John 16:33  

Adoption: An Expression of Triune Love

 “5In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved…13In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

                                                                                                                           Ephesians 1:5-6, 13-14

The main thrust of the first chapter of Ephesians, specifically verses 3-14, is the euphoric praise of God for His plan of salvation from eternity past to the consummation of the saints.  This text also presents us a beautiful glimpse into the Trinitarian relationship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in regards to the redemption of God’s elect; specifically in the relationship of adoption.

Purposed by the Father

      In ancient Rome, in Paul’s time, adoption was always initiated by the paterfamilias, or the father.  The Father ensured that the adopted was legally made an heir, giving the adopted a new name and a security in the inheritance.  In this text it is clear that the Father is the main architect in adopting the sinner into the household of God. Paying attention to the nouns and pronouns, as well as key words like predestined and will, we can see God’s divine initiative in adopting sinners into His family.  In verse three we see that in love [God] predestined us for adoption (huiothesia- huios being "son" and thesis being "placed" or "placing"- therefore we get "son of placement" or "placement as a son") as sons… according to [God’s] will, to the praise of [God’s] glorious grace, with which God blessed us (His elect or chosen ones-i.e. the adopted) in Christ. 

     God’s initiative in redeeming sinners was not a willy-nilly decision made out of frustration. Our adoption was not a divine afterthought.   It was in God’s triune mind and heart before the first tick of human history’s clock.[1]  The Father purposely put his love on us before the first molecule was formed, before the first star was named, before the entire creation of the world.  It was part of His plan in magnifying His grace; a divine purpose (Ephesians 1:6). Adoption was intertwined in God’s wisdom and love from eternity past.  Before the creation of the world it was ordained that the Son would be slaughtered for those whom God set His comprehensive, all satisfying, deliberate, and unadulterated love on; the elect, the adopted sons and daughters of God (Revelations 13:8).  Christian, you have been loved before and more than you can ever know.

Unified in the Son

     Christ is the agent in which our adoption is made complete.  That is to say that Christ is the means in which the Father accomplishes our adoption.[2]  Again, the text shows us that it is through Christ we are adopted. It is in Christ in which God has blessed us and made us heirs.  Consider again the meaning of the word huiothesia- placement as a son.  In this text we see that in our adoption we are made sons of God by the Son of God.  The text says that we were predestined for adoption through Christ and that we are blessed in the “Beloved [Christ].”  In essence, adoption is God’s placement of sons in the Son.[3]  Adoption ensures that we are completely in union with Christ.  And our union with Christ is as Dan Cruver puts it, “is indissoluble, unceasing, and determinative at all times and in all places.  There is never the smallest fraction of a fraction of a second when we are not living and moving and having our being in union with Jesus.”[4] 

     Consider the implication of this for a moment.  Before time existed, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit were completely and perfectly happy in one another.  They had no need for an outside source to make their love complete or more fulfilling.  When God set His love on the elect, He made a choice to allow us to enjoy the triune circle of love if you will.  Being unified in the Son allows us to experience the same perfect love that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had before the world existed and still have today and will have forever.

     Our unity with Christ also shows us the present significance of our life in relation to the gospel and the redeeming of sinners.  Because we are in union with Christ, who is alive and working out His mission, we are not merely imitating Christ's work, but actually participating in it.  Dan Cruver explains this well when he says:

"Our missional engagement as Christians is not an imitation of Christ and His mission.  It is a

 participation  in Christ and His mission...our efforts do not consist in a striving to imitate Christ.  The result in the imitation of Christ is we participate with him in His mission in the world.  The New Testament writers assume this kind of living .  When over and over, you see Paul using the phrases "in Christ" and "in Him," recognize that he means for Christians to think about every aspect of their lives in terms of union with Christ." [5]


     Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  The Son gave His life for His adopted sons and daughters, so that we could live now in union with Him as He currently works to bring others into communion with the Father.  When God set His love on us, He not only made us heirs to His kingdom, bit also conduits of His grace, calling our lost brothers and sisters to come home.

Secured in the Spirit

     Finally, we will see the Spirit’s role in adoption.  In verse thirteen, we are told that we are sealed with the promise of the Spirit.  Sealed can mean that the Holy Spirit protects or preserves Christians until they reach their inheritance (Eph 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 1 Peter 1:5; Rev 7:2-3).[6]  In verse fourteen the word guarantee carries the idea of a down payment, or pledge.  It indicates a deposit which itself is a guarantee that the full amount will be paid.  The down payment is of the same kind as the full payment.[7]  Wayne Grudem points out that “When God gave us the Holy Spirit within he committed himself to give all the further blessings of eternal life and a great reward in heaven with him…all who have the Holy Spirit within them, all who are truly born again, have God’s unchanging promise and guarantee that the inheritance of eternal life in heaven will certainly be theirs.”[8]

     The Holy Spirit has been given to us not only as a guarantee, but also as one who testifies that we are genuinely His children.  This testimony is manifested in our life through our love and devotion to the Father.  In essence, when we testify of God, it is really the Spirit testifying in us that we are truely His.  The Spirit, as Thomas Schreiner explains in his commentary on Galatians, "testifies that we are God's children...the Spirit works charismatically, so that believers gladly exclaim that God is their beloved Father."  

The Spirit plays an important role in our adoption.  The Spirit confirms, authenticates, and ratifies our sonship and daughtership. [9]  He guarantees our adoption and seals us until we reach our inheritance.  The Spirit testifies of our position and privilege as sons and daughters and affirms the Fathers love for us.

     Keep in mind that all of this is done in the Fathers love.  We cannot take any credit for our adoption.  It is by grace we have been saved, yes adopted into the kingdom of God.  The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit were perfectly happy in their triune communion.  God made a choice to open that communion to us, sinners, who assault His name and character.  God, in his rich mercy and grace, adopted us before the foundation of the world within the eternal love ever flowing between the Father, Son, and within the all-satisfying communion of the Holy Spirit who is the eternal personal bond of the Father/Son’s love (2 Corinthians 13:14).  

To see the Trinity's work in adoption into God'd kingdom is so encouraging to me, and should be to you.  I commend you, and myself, to go forth and testify of the goodness of your Father who loves you, your Brother who saved you, and sent His Spirit to testify of His goodness and love for you.  We must go to the broken and dysfunctional, the fatherless and abused,  and tell them our Father is calling them home; to a perfect, functional family who will live in unity and harmony forever. 

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[1] Cruver, Dan. "Adoption of Prodigals." In Reclaiming Adoption: Missional Living Through the Rediscovery of Abba Father, by Dan Cruver, 7-18. Adelphia, MD: Cruciform Press, 2011.

[2]Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006. Pg 122 

[3]Curver, Dan. "Adoption And Our Union With Chirst." In Reclaiming Adoption: Missional Living Through the Rediscovery of Abba Father, by Dan Curver, edited by Dan Curver, 49-56. Adelphi, MD: CruciformPress, 2011.

[4] Curver, Dan. "Adoption And Our Union With Chirst." In Reclaiming Adoption: Missional Living Through the Rediscovery of Abba Father, by Dan Curver, edited by Dan Cruver, 49-56. Adelphi, MD: CruciformPress, 2011. Pg 52

[5] Baugh, S.M. "ESV Study Bible." In Ephesians Commentary Notes, edited by Justin Taylor, Bill Deckard, Sherah Grose Dennis T. Lane, 2262-2263. Wheaton, IL: CrossWay Bibles, 2008.

[6] Cleon L. Rogers Jr., Cleon L. Rogers III. The New Linguistic And Exegetical Key To The Greek New Testament. Grand rapids, MI: Zondervon, 1998.

[7]Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervon, 1994.

[8] Cruver, Dan. "Adoption and the Trinity." In Reclaiming Adoption: Missional Living Through The Rediscovery of Abba Father, by Dan Cruver, 19-32. Adelphia, MD: CruciformPress, 2011.

[9] Schreiner, Thomas R. "Galatians; Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament." edited by Clinton Arnold Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2010.  pg272 

Adoption

     I can remember having an interesting conversation with my mother after her mother passed away about her feeling like an orphan.  My grandfather (my mom's dad) had passed several years prior and it was hard for my mom.  He died suddenly of a heart attack.  She did not have an opportunity to say goodbye or reconcile any hurt feelings.  It took her a while to come to terms with this.  By God's grace, she still had her mother to help her through her grieving process.   

     However, when her mother died the reality of both parents being gone took her to a place of uncertainty. Her mother was not there to give her direction and wisdom and faith.  The long conversations they use to have in the kitchen over life, love, and old family recipes were now silent .  The family house was now filled with foreigners instead of grandchildren and the smell of freshly baked cookies.  All of what she had ever known, for better or for worse, was now gone.  In this frame of mind she cried and said, "My gosh Jason, I am an orphan."

     It sadden me to see her hurt this way.  Her words were real and weighty.  Her anguish was deep and resolute.  It is one thing to grieve the loss of a loved one, particularly a parent; but it is something entirely different to grieve the loss of your identity as a daughter.  In this it seemed as though her grief was multiplied.  It was at this moment I realized the significance of my adoption into the kingdom of God.

     At the time of my conversation with my mother, I was not equipped to guide my mother through her grief with the hope and comfort that comes in being adopted into the family of God. I was not aware of the rich truths the bible offers us in understanding our position and privilege in Christ.  For the next several posts,  I would like to explore our adoption into God's family further, offering a working definition, and three meditations of scripture in regards to our adoption.

Adoption: Instating of sons and daughters

     Adoption, as J.I. Packer puts it, is the instating of a son or a daughter to a family.[1]  It is a process that creates a new, permanent parent-child relationship where one didn't exist before.[2] It is the way in which one legally, emotionally, and socially becomes graphed into a family, with all rights and privileges of a son or daughter.  In the realm of the world in which we live in, in and of itself, adoption is a remarkable picture of love and consideration.  In the sphere of God’s kingdom, adoption is the apex of redemptive grace and privilege.[3]

Is adoption just another synonym for justification?

    Adoption, in the bible, encompasses two ideas; justification and family.  Born in our transgressions, we are by nature “sons of disobedience” and are in need of redemption (Eph 2:1-10).  God’s wrath poured out on the cross offers the sinner a justifiable way for his sins to be legally dealt with (Rom 3:25, 4:25, 5:16, 5:18, 8:1-2; Heb 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).  However, this does not automatically mean we become adopted.  Justification does not guarantee the person is given familial privileges and rights. Justification guarantees that the sinner is deemed not guilty.  Therefore, adoption is not just a synonym for justification.  Trevor Burke explains that adoption,

" is related to justification and is incomplete without it...[however], adoption ought not to be subsumed under justification or mistaken as a synonym for justification…it is an act of God’s grace different and distinct from and additional to justification."[4] 

Adoption: A familial term

     Justification deals directly with the legal transferring of alien to family.   Adoption on the other hand carries both justification and familial connotations; from “sons of disobedience” to “sons of obedience.”   Packer rightly points out that adoption is a familial term conceived in terms of love, family, fellowship, affection, generosity, and heirs.  Dan Cruver, the director of the ministry Together for Adoption, rightly states,

 “Through adoption, God brings us into the warmth, love, and gladness of his own family.  Redemption was never intended to be God’s ‘be-all and end-all’ work of grace.  God redeemed us in his Son so that he might love us and delight in us even as he loves and delights in His eternal Son.”[5]  

What does all of this mean?

     Essentially, this means two things.  First, adoption has its own distinct place in the order of salvation: regeneration, faith, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. [6]  It is a distinct act of God's grace that is related to justification but is not the same thing.  The sinner who is saved by grace is not left to work out his salvation as a red headed step-child.  The sinner is given not only legal status, but familial status; enjoying all rights and privileges as a natural born son or daughter.  Justification, in and of itself, falls short of this. 

     Second, it means that we must view adoption in light of position and privilege.  The old adage that says, "We are all God's children," (meaning that since God created all of us by default we are his children) is theologically wrong.  It is one thing to be created by God, it is another to be called a child.  The bible is clear, the only way to be a son/daughter of God is to be adopted into His family.  This is done exclusively through His Son Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).  Only those who have accepted Christ as Lord are considered sons/daughters of God.  Therefore, as sons/daughters of God, we are heirs to the kingdom of the Father.  We are given rights and privileges of the kingdom that are not given to nonbelievers; and angels for that matter (1 Corinthians 6:3).  God has seen fit, through His Son Jesus Christ, to set His love, warmth, and gladness on us and has made us brother and sister to Christ.

What is biblical adoption?    

When we put both ideas aspect together, that is legal and familial, we are able to come up with a working definition:

 Adoption is the distinct act of God’s grace, different and additional to justification, that creates a permanent relationship between the Father and the sinner in which the sinner is graphed into the family of God legally, socially, and emotionally; enjoying all rights and privileges as a son or daughter in the warmth, love, and gladness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.   

In the next three post I will work out aspects of this definition in scripture.  The first aspect I will look at is our adoption in relation to the Trinity (Ephesians 1:3-14).

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[1] Packer, J.I. Knowing God. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1973.

[2]Media, Adotion. Adoption.com. 1995-2011. http://adopting.adoption.com/child/what-is-adoption.html (accessed November 12, 2011).

[3] Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006.

[4]   Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006.

[5] Cruver, Dan. Reclaiming Adoption: Missional Living Through the Rediscovery of Abba Father. Edited by Dan Cruver. Adelphi, Maryland: CruciformPress, 2011.

[6] Burke, Trevor. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D.A. Carson. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2006. Pg 24

A Parent Privilege: A Resource For All Parents & Pastors

Wright, Steve. A Parent Privilege: That the Next Generation Might Know. Wake Forrest, NC: Inquest Ministries, 2008. 176 pp., $14.99
Introduction
The other day my oldest daughter asked why God commands us to count it all joy when we face various trials in life. I turned her attention to the book of James, leading her through the first chapter and outlining the theological truths given to us pertaining to this matter. We explored other passages as well in1 Peter, Philippians, and Romans. After about thirty minutes of reading and dialoging, we prayed together and went about our day. This was not the first faith talk of the day, nor was it the last. My wife and I have chosen to be very intentional in the spiritual formation of our children. Unfortunately, this sort of discussion rarely happens in most Christian homes today.

In A Parent Privilege: That the Next Generation Might Know, Steve Wright undertakes the task of outlining a biblical framework in which parents should intentionally operate in disciplining their children. He offers his assessment and insight pertaining to families in the church through twenty years of youth ministry and parenting three children of his own. Through his passion and commitment to families and biblical orthodoxy, Wright offers the reader a clear and concise roadmap to recovering the home for the glory of God.

Summary

The book is organized into eight chapters with a final section dedicated to the prodigal child. Each chapter unpacks a particular aspect of parenting and offers a necessary element that enables the parent to be successful. In the first chapter, Wright shows that despite what many parents believe, their children are listening to them. Wright makes his case through a considerable amount of statistical data and biblical passages. He also points out that many children desire to be led by their parents, especially in the area of spiritual formation. The sad reality is that many families in the church are struggling in a culture made tension that says the generations cannot connect. In this chapter Wright deals with this issue and offers the reader a clear gaze through the cultural mud. He plainly shows that God has created the family to work coherently under his order. Children long for their parent’s instruction and parents are not to be apathetic. I believe Wright captures this thought well when he asks, “Why are parents commanded over and over again to talk to their children about spiritual things? It’s because children listen to their parents-God wrote this on their hearts.” (21)

In chapters two through four, Wright offers the biblical framework in which proper family discipleship works. In chapter two he points out that a parents words have a significant power over the child. With their words, a parent can strategically defend and protect their children in the ever shifting culture. Wright states, “When we speak, it must be with the realization that God has given our words significance. God has given our words value.” (28) In chapter three Wright outlines the theology of the family. He defines the theology of family as thinking about how God thinks about family. (48) He offers seven foundations of the theology of family. He undergirds these foundations with the idea that our children will not just pick up understanding of Christian family just by getting older. He says, “We must take hold of the privilege to share a theology of family with the child. They need to hear from us first because they are already hearing from many others.” (59) In chapter four, Wright gives distinctive marks of authentic parenting and how it changes our child rearing. There are four distinctive marks beginning with parents modeling their faith and ending with a desire for the parent to see Jesus capture their child’s heart. (64)

In the following three chapters Wright moves from the philosophical to the practical. In chapter five he begins with redirecting the value system. He makes the point that we commit to what we value; no matter the cost, the time, the distance, or how hard it is to pull off. (78) He then offers eight essential principles that must guide everything we do. (79) He states the obvious such as prayer and giving our children to God daily. However, he also says that parenting must be relational and generational and that we must be active in looking for invitations of God’s work. (84)

Wright uses chapter six to show that the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child is true. He explores how the church is to help assist and equip parents in discipleship matters. The church is God’s grace to the family. Parents are not alone in the task of discipleship. Wright says, “Just like my dad teaching me to ride a bike, the church reaches out, supports, guides, protects. If we crash, the church will be there to help the healing begin. God gave us the church because we need the church. We cannot do it without her.” (110)

Chapter seven gives the reader the practical ability to start doing family ministry now. The list is more of a springboard to get the philosophy and process rolling. He offers ideas that allow the family to move into the role slowly. First off, a great way to begin family discipleship is by praying as a family over meals and bedtimes. Next he moves into things like journaling and home bible studies. Wright also examines how milestones in spiritual maturity are important to foster and celebrate. He speaks of passage trips, where a father and son or mother and daughter take a long weekend to do something sentimental to mark certain points of faith. He ends the chapter with a call to remember what’s at stake. “How far would you go to protect the lives of your children? How far would you go to look after the eternal soul of your child? Remember Christ’s warning, “The thief comes only to steal and destroy (John 10:10).” (131)

In chapter eight, one of my favorite chapters, Wright exhorts the fathers. He explains clearly and biblically the important roles fathers play in the lives of their children. With the lack of paternal commitment in our society, this exhortation rings loud and clear; “Dad, your modeling is irreplaceable.” (139) Wright spends the entire chapter outlining the significance of a father’s presence and active involvement in the home as father and husband. With precise mandates from the bible, Wright roars like a lion against the infidelity of today’s fathers in their commitment to their families’ spiritual welfare.

In closing, he encourages parents with prodigal children to hold fast. Through self-evaluation, repentance, and prayer, there is hope the child may come to the Lord. Wright encourages the parent to change what needs to be changed and to immediately begin modeling biblical parenting. All of us at one time were prodigals. By God’s mercy, we were drawn to him and his saving grace. This gives us hope for our children who have gone astray.

Critical Evaluation

Steve Wright’s book A Parent Privilege: That the Next Generation Might Know is well written and a valuable resource to parents. He has taken a tremendous topic that has been long neglected and adequately addressed the theological and practical issues. In only a matter of 176 pages, Wright passionately persuades the reader of the fall out of families not taking the primary role in their child’s spiritual formation and offers them a reasonable and practical solution. The read is quick and not intimidating. He avoids using weighty terms and complex phrases. He handles the theological principles with ease and care for the casual reader without watering down the substance. Wright is forthright in his context, yet gentle in his delivery. The book flows in a logical progression first identifying the problem and ending with a solution. A Parent Privilege is a resource for all pastors, parents, and those considering a family now and for future generations.

I have only three small critiques of this book. First, the issue of marriage could be elaborated on more. With the tremendous effects of post modernism on our society and the church, the reader needs to be more aware of why God hates divorce, the equal yet different roles of men and women, and the consequence of homosexuality as a valued lifestyle. All of these factors are major players in the plight of families today.

Second, women, after reading this book, might not see their role as significant as the fathers. Secular feminism has skewed the roles of both men and women in our society and their roles in the home. We cannot swing from one extreme to the other isolating men on one side and women on the other. A chapter committed to motherhood would be a compliment to chapter eight and the overall message of the book.

Finally, when I read this book I am still left with the question, “Is this for all families?” What about families with children who have a disability? With the growing number of children being born in America today, this is a contending issue. Yet, the only mention of this topic is on page 87, when he speaks of being moved to tears over sick or special needs children. If I had a child with a disability and I was reading this book, I would not walk away with the same encouragement as a “typical” family.

Overall, Wright does an extraordinary job in explaining and defending family discipleship in the context of our culture. His passion comes through persuasively and his writing style is inviting to the reader. This book is a remarkable resource to all who interact with families in and outside the church.

Here's my 12 cents Worth...

"Ethan, it is time for offering, do you have your money?" "Ethan, put the money in the plate." "No, I don't want to, it is mine" replies Ethan. "Ethan, put the money in the offering plate, now."

This was the conversation we had this morning in church with Ethan as we were giving out tithes. He reluctantly gave his 12 cents only after Stacy pried it out of his hands. With a frowning face, and heart I might add, Ethan made his way to my lap and sulked for a while. I quietly asked him why he was reluctant to give his money. He put his head down and did not answer. At about that time a gentleman leaned over and gave Ethan a dollar.

At that moment I prayed and asked God to give me the wisdom to deal with Ethan in a way where he would see his glory the most. A song came to mind that we listened to often in the van and at home when we do our chores. After the sermon we had communion, fellowshipped a bit, and made our way to the van.

Last year Stacy stumbled onto to some sovereign grace children's CD's and bought them for the children. They each follow a concept, like "Being like Jesus", "Sons and Daughters", etc. The one in the CD player was called 'Walking With The Wise." The twelth track is called, "God Loves A Generous Heart." This song proved to be a spring board for Ethan and I to discuss his offering dilemma.

Here's how the song goes:

Chorus:

God loves a generous heart, a generous heart

Yes, He does

God loves a generous heart, a generous heart

'Cause thats a heart like His own heart

Thats a heart like His own

verse 1

There are those who give away
It seems the more they give, the more they gain

There are those who hold back

The more they try to keep the more they lack

The more they lack

verse 2

God has shown us how to give

He offeredup His Son so we might live

Jesus gave His precious blood

To wash us clean and bring us back to God

Back to God

Bridge

We can't out give God

For He's the Giver of life

And every good thing

We can't out give God

He just keeps pouring out more

He's the wonderful king

Matt Aldridge 2010 sovereign grace ministries

We listened to the song on the way home from church. When the song was over I asked Ethan several questions. What is the song trying to teach us? What kind of heart does God have? What kind of heart does God want us to have? What kind of heart did you have this morning? Was your heart generous or stingy? I finished with references to 2 Corinthians 9, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver.

Ethan's eyes welled up as the questions hit him one by one. He did not know exactly why he wanted to keep the money, but he did knew that his heart was not in the right before God. I explained that God freely gave us his Son Jesus Christ and that if he freely gave us his Son, then He will withold nothing from those who love Him (Romans 8:32-33). I also told him that God does not need our money, for He owns everything (Psalm 50:7-15). Our giving is our worship and trust in His sovereign goodness. Ethan has seen and heard this before.

Stacy and I have been very intentional in teaching our children about tithing. When we give money to people we have them pray with us and sometimes give with us when it is appropiate. We have been blessed with friends who have modeled tithing and giving for us and our children. (What is really cool is that a couple of them have found it in their heart to help us teach them titihing by giving them a dollar or so on a consistant basis so that they would have money to put in the offering plate. (This is one of many gifts of being in a Christian community.)

I did not know how to handle the gentleman who gave Ethan the dollar. His motive was purley kind and gracious. He saw Ethan in need and felt compassion for him. He was acting out his Christian faith. In that sense, he was a tremendous blessing to our family. On the other hand, Ethan was struggling to let go of 12 cents and in the process, he made a dollar. I did not want to think that pouting and sulking over not giving was a way to make money. What was I to do?

God was kind enough to show me that he gives abundantly more than we can ask for. At the end of the conversation I told Ethan that God was merciful in giving you a dollar. You reluctantly gave 12 cents, which is not worth much, and God gave you almost five times as much, abundantly more than you gave. Remember Ethan, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will he not also with Him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

A few things I am grateful for.

1. God ordained circumstances and wisdom to work through them.

2. Godly childrens music that is sold out to King Jesus. (Sovereign Grace Ministries)

3. Faithful Christians who live out their faith before my children.

http://theworksofgod.com/

http://theworksofgod.com/

A Meditation on Romans 8: 31-37

As I meditated on this scripture, I was reminded of the centrality of the gospel. All of the promises offered in this verse are for not if I am not in Christ. The "these things" in verse 31 caught my attention to this matter. I read the text several times and was constantly driven to ask, "What are 'these things.'" I believe these things refer to everything Paul summed up in the previous eight chapters. More specifically, I think Romans 8:1 captures the essence of what "these things" are. These things refer to the fact that there is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. What can we say for those who are not condemned? If God is for us, who can be against us? If God did not spare his only Son, so that we will not be under His wrath, what will he withhold from us? Nothing! Therefore, for those in Christ Jesus, nothing will ever separate you from His love, nothing. All of the promises offered in Romans eight hinders on the gospel.

What is to be said of those who are condemned? Who are they? What is their plight? I believe Paul addresses this in Romans 1-3. The condemned are those who exchange God's glory for something else (Romans 1:23). They choose the material world over the Creator of the material. They deny Him His rightful glory. In turn, God gave them up to their debased passions. In essence, he handed them over to a more sinful state and utter hardening to His redeeming grace. The arrow of his wrath is pointed at their heart, gaining more tension day after day until it is released and they parish forever (Psalm 7).

Who are these people? Is it just the horrible of the world? Is it the Hitler's or the child molesters, porn stars, or murders? No. It is everyone. Romans 3:10-18 says, "None is righteous, no not one, no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside, together they have become worthless, no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongue to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are quick to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and they way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." A few verses later, Paul sums it up concisely and says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23)

These are the condemned; the average moral American who goes to work from 9-5pm everyday trying to support his family. It is the volunteer at the food shelf. It is the poor soul digging in the trash for an old pair of shoes or leftovers from last night. It is our congressmen, policemen, firemen, and all our committed public servants. And unfortunately, some are church members, even pastors. The condemned are all who are not in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). They cannot lay hold of the promises given in Romans 8. I sit here with a conundrum. How can I feel so confident in the midst of trial and yet feel anxious for those who are not in Christ? This is an enigma in the gospel.

Resolved: That My Children Will Be Resolute in Christ!

Like most people, I set certain goals or resolutions at the beginning of every new year. Whether they are obtainable or not is a different story. Yet, I subject myself to it in hopes of bettering areas of my life that I feel I am lacking or faulty. I set out to achieve these goals by implementing a action plan or strategy. I seek God in prayer and wisdom and courage. I tell others to help hold me accountable. A lot of thought and intentionality is put into the process. In the middle of this process a thought occurred to me. What about my children?

The bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart." Proverbs 22:6 I have never looked at this verse as a promise to salvation for my children. Nevertheless, there is hope offered to the parent who chooses to intentionally raise their child to honor God. They key word is intentional.

To "train up" anything is to implement a strategy to achieve a goal. A runner trains his body to perform competitively for a race he hopes to win. A debate coach trains his pupils in rhetoric and argumentation to persuade a judge to vote for his perspective. In both cases there is intentionality and implementation. I believe the same must be done for our children.

To train up a child is to intentionally and prayerfully apply the word of God to their lives. Which means the parent must be aware of the child's spiritual needs and flaws. This also means that the parent must do something about it.

Before the new year arrived, I spent some time praying for my children. I specifically asked God to help me identify areas in their attitude and character that needed to be addressed. After much prayer and meditation, I came up with a list of goals for the children. These are areas of their life that Stacy and I see that could be catastrophic in their faith if not dealt with now. I'm sure there are more that will come up and I know that all them will be neatly dealt with in a year. However, they will be addressed because we are being intentional.

I do not believe in "ad hock' parenting. The more proactive we can be in our children's lives, the less leeway the world has to own them. The world will own them, that is for sure. We must fight for them and strategically implement ways to secure their faith. To do anything less is not parenting. And of course, I say all of this in the belief of God's sovereign grace.

Below are the goals we have set for our children. We have pasted them up all over the house; in their bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, dinning room, etc. It is not to be a reminder of how bad they are, but to remind them of who they can be. It also allows us to remember what we have set out to do. Most new year resolutions are broken within two weeks. This is their eternity! This could be the year they sell out to King Jesus! How cool would that be! As their dad, I want to do everything humanly possible to encourage their faith.

Naomi's 2011 Goals

1. To be content in all things. (Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5)

2. To let love cover many sins. (Proverbs 10:12; 1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 29:22)

3. To walk in integrity. (Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 28:18; Psalm 101:2)

4. To find her identity in Christ. (Romans 1:16; Philippians 1:20; Proverbs 31:30)

5. To trust in the Lord with all of her heart, soul, and strength. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 34:8; Matthew 22:37-39)

Ethan's 2011 Goals

1. To work as unto the glory of the Lord. (Proverbs 17:9; Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 19:15)

2. To be slow to anger. (Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 19:11; Proverbs 14:29)

3. To share generously. (Proverbs 11:24; Proverbs 3:9-10; 1 John 2:15-17)

4. To find his identity in Christ. (Romans 1:16; Philippians 1:20; 1 Peter 5:6)

5. To trust in the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and strength. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 34:8; Matthew 22:37-39)

We do have goals for Abbie and Abram. They are not as concrete as Naomi's and Ethan's. I have written them down in a journal and will reference it when needed. We have also set family goals. I will blog about them later.