Adoption as Sons (Galatians 4:4-5)

"God sent forth his Son ... so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Galatians 4:4-5).

Adoption is one of the greatest metaphors of the Christian's relationship with God. From your birth, you were a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). In your Baptism, God claimed you as His own child. You were adopted as His son or daughter. No longer a child of wrath. A child of grace and mercy.

God sent Jesus to show you grace and mercy. Adoption is a gracious and merciful act done by parents. To take an unwanted child and make him or her feel wanted. God did this when He took you from being a condemned child of wrath and made you a saved child by grace.

God adopted you to be His son or daughter. And all He asks is that you live like it. Amen.