What Does It Mean to Be Adopted by God?
What Does It Mean to Be Adopted by God? Spiritual adoption means God takes former enemies and strangers and makes them full sons and daughters — with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance of His family.
Key verse: Romans 8:15 (KJV)
Spiritual adoption means God takes former enemies and strangers and makes them full sons and daughters — with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance of His family.
Spiritual adoption means God takes former enemies and strangers and makes them full sons and daughters — with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance of His family.
"Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." — Romans 8:15 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Romans 8:15 declares, 'Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.' In Roman law, adoption was legally binding and irrevocable — the adopted child received full rights as a natural-born heir. Paul uses this concept to describe believers' relationship with God. Galatians 4:4-5 explains, 'God sent forth his Son... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.' Ephesians 1:5 says God 'predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.' Adoption brings remarkable privileges: we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), the Spirit witnesses to our sonship (Romans 8:16), we have intimate access to the Father (Galatians 4:6), and we bear the family name. First John 3:1 marvels, 'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.' Adoption is not earned — it is grace.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Confession & Repentance?
What the Bible teaches about confessing sin, repentance, and receiving God's forgiveness.
Key Scripture References
"Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself."
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does the Prodigal Son Story Teach About God?
The parable reveals a Father who watches for His wayward child, runs to meet him, and throws a lavish celebration at his return — a picture of God's heart for every sinner.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
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Can God Forgive Any Sin?
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Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Sin & Salvation
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God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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