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.