In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, Mister Brown discusses the transformative impact of John 1:12, which speaks of adoption into the family of God through faith in Christ.

[0:00] Intro

[1:45] Perceptions of adoption

[2:30] Who is a child of God?

[5:55] What is biblical adoption?

[8:20] Child of God by Forrest Frank

[12:20] Once a child of God always a child of God

[14:00] Final thoughts

Bible verses:

John 1:12

1 John 3:1

Child of God by Forrest Frank

Adoption and Its Perceptions

There are various views on adoption. Some positive and some negative. I worked with pregnancy testing centers and adoption ministries, which changed my perception of adoption.

Initially, I viewed adoption negatively, associating it with negative circumstances like teenage pregnancy or drug use. However, through the work I was doing with pregnancy centers, I began to see adoption as a positive act of placing children into stable homes. This experience changed my understanding of adoption and its beauty. The Bible speaks highly of adoption as well.

Adoption into the Family of God

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” John 1:12

There is a difference between being a creation of God and being a child of God, which comes through faith in Jesus. Those who trust Christ are adopted into the family of God. This adoption creates an opportunity for believers to have an intimate relationship with God. True belief and receiving are essential for accepting the gift of salvation and becoming a child of God.

The Doctrine and Invitation of Adoption

Adoption is a legal right given to believers, granting them all the privileges of being a child of God. This legal relationship is based on the work of Christ and a believer’s faith. You do not have to earn God's favor through good works. Adoption is a free gift, not something that can be earned or lost based on behavior.

Do you struggle with feelings of unworthiness? Remember that you have been adopted as a child of God. This assurance comes from God's Word, not from personal feelings or actions. Your adoption into the family of God is a free gift, not something that can be earned or lost. Embrace your adoption identity and live a life connected to the Lord.