On Tuesday, I wrote a brief article on the subject of adoption, making reference to the very heart warming story of little Lydia who was adopted by a Christian family here in the United States. I just received this short letter:

John,

How delightful to come across this post! I love all that you wrote and quoted about adoption. Here were the judge’s words the day this adoption became final, as I was there (in the court room):

“NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that the minor child is declared to be adopted by the Petitioners, ____ and _____, that the minor shall henceforth be regarded and treated as the Petitioners’ NATURAL child and have all the lawful rights as their own child, including the rights of support, protection and inheritance, and the minor child henceforth bear the name: LYDIA JOY ____.”

To be declared a “natural” child by an earthly court of law is but a foreshadow of how permanent our seal of adoption was with our Heavenly Father. Thank you so much for sharing this blessing with others.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 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.

It is often said that a picture paints a thousand words. How true this is in this case. The city where this photo was taken is Bangkok, Thailand and the little girl in the photo is called Lydia. Since the photo was taken, Lydia has now been adopted by an American Christian family. The gentleman holding her hand is actually her new father, Josh. You can see the photos of Lydia’s arrival in the USA here.

What a beautiful illustration this is for the Christian. Think about it. God actually chose you to be part of His family. You were not just a nameless, faceless person in the crowd. He chose you personally. He set His love on you in eternity past, before the world was ever made. God revealed this in His word, not to cause controversy amongst Christians. It is not in the least bit controversial to Him. He revealed this because as His child, He wanted you to know this truth. God forbid that it should be obscured from you. It is part of your inheritance to come to understand that He has had no momentary, temporary interest in you. God has loved you from eternity.

God did not have to tell us about His electing love, but there is no doubt that He has done so many times over. The reason for this is clear. He wanted you to know that He actually chose to save you. He did so for reasons known only to Him (though we know it was for no reason found in you at all). His choice was without conditions because born spiritual dead, there were no conditions you could ever fulfill. When you were without God and without hope in this world, God took the initiative in sending His Son into this world to do whatever was necessary to bring you to Himself. This is radical, overwhelming, all conquering love. Nothing could suceed in standing in His way. Once the choice was made, there would be no possibility of failure. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives to Me will come to Me” and He will raise them all up to eternal life (John 6:37-39). Not one will be lost. This is true for all of us who believe in Christ. Forever we will stand amazed by the grace we have found in Christ. Forever we will sing of His great love!

“In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” – Ephesians 1:4-6

Most Christians have not really grasped this amazing truth of their adoption in Christ. Many have heard about justification by faith alone, but far fewer have understood the doctrine of adoption. In a sermon entitled “God as Father: Understanding the Doctrine of Adoption” (based on Galatians 4:1-7), C.J. Mahaney speaks about some of the important connections and distinctions between the two: Continue reading →