Ephesians 1:5: Adoption

Ephesians 1:5
[5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (ESV)

I think adoption is a wonderful word. In fact, in a culture that promotes the destruction of unwanted babies so casually, adoption is a wonderful and godly alternative. We have all heard of stories where a child was raised in foster homes, always longing for some family to come along and choose them as their child. Perhaps you are an adopted child and you can identify with how wonderful it is to be chosen for adoption.

The greatest adoption story is found right here in Ephesians. God the Father predestined us for adoption. He chose us to be his children. I want you to imagine a scenario where a precious child is chosen by an adoptive family. Everything is new. They have their own room. They don't have to live out of suitcases anymore. There is a new stability in their life. It's a big adjustment. But, a bigger issue . . . what does this child call their new father? Now consider what we should call our father? We are no longer outside of the family of God. We have a permanent home. We have stability we could never have dreamed of. But, what do we call our new father? Paul answers that question in a different letter, written to the Romans:

Romans 8:14–15
[14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV)

We call our father, "Abba." What does that mean. John MacArthur defines that term in this way:

"Abba! An informal, Aramaic term for Father that conveys a sense of intimacy. Like the English terms “Daddy” or “Papa,” it connotes tenderness, dependence, and a relationship free of fear or anxiety."
- John MacArthur, John MacArthur Study Bible

If you are a Christian you are part of the most beautiful adoption story ever. Do you struggle with how you approach God the Father? He is your daddy! He loves you. You can crawl into his lap and cast your cares on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Tell your daddy you love him today.

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