Bible Verses About Adoption in Christ

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will."

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."

"That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

"And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

"Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

What does the Bible say about adoption?

In Roman culture, an adopted son received the full rights and inheritance of a natural-born child. Paul uses this powerful metaphor to describe what happens when we believe in Christ: God adopts us into His family, giving us full rights as His children and heirs. Key King James Version passages include Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:5. This page collects 10 KJV verses about adoption, each quoted in full.

What does adoption mean in the Bible?

Spiritual adoption means God takes believers who were alienated by sin and makes them His own children with full rights and inheritance (Romans 8:15-17). Like Roman adoption, it is permanent and irrevocable—once adopted, always a child of God.

What does the Bible say about adopting children?

While the Bible's primary use of 'adoption' is spiritual (our adoption into God's family), Scripture strongly supports caring for orphans and vulnerable children. James 1:27 calls visiting 'the fatherless' pure religion, and God Himself is described as 'a father of the fatherless' (Psalm 68:5).