Today’s Scripture: Romans 8:15
“You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons.”
What does it mean to be adopted as sons by God? The adoption Paul refers to is not that of an infant or small child. In Jewish culture, it would refer to the status of those who had advanced from minors to full-grown sons. And in Roman culture, wealthy couples would adopt a worthy young man to be their heir and carry on the family name.
Even the brand-new believer comes into the family of God with the full rights of an adult son. Although this new believer is a spiritual babe and needs discipling from more mature Christians, he has all the rights and privileges of a full-grown son.
A good sense of this can be seen in the prodigal son’s restoration after his return from the far country (Luke 15:22-24). The father orders the servants to quickly bring the best robe, a ring, and sandals. The robe would have been a status symbol, the ring probably an indication of family authority, and the sandals a sign of sonship. This once-rebellious son is immediately restored to a position of dignity, honor, and full acceptance, and even becomes the guest of honor at a feast of celebration.
We should never lose sight of the fact that we were rebels, objects of God’s wrath, and on death row. The tremendous contrast between what we once were and what we have become by his grace makes our sonship so amazing. We have been redeemed from slavery to sin and Satan, clothed with the robe of Christ’s perfect righteousness, and given status as sons in the royal household.
I hope you’re encouraged to live as a full-grown child of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Excerpt taken from The Gospel for Real Life)
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