THEO PAPER1
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
B14
Subject
Religion
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
1
Uploaded by MinisterInternet9442
Davis 1
Colby Davis
THEO 104
8 May 2023
The biblical concept of salvation is multifaceted, with various images used to describe it. In this essay, we
will examine one of these images, specifically, adoption. We will define and describe the doctrine of
adoption, discuss its biblical, historical, and theological contours, and explain how it relates to the
problem of sin. We will also explore the implications of this doctrine for the Christian life and for our
chosen vocation. Adoption is a doctrine that describes how believers become part of God's family. It is a
term that means simply means taking someone not from the family into one's family and treating them
as if they are a part of the family. In the Bible, adoption is used to describe the spiritual reality of
believers being chosen by God and made heirs of his kingdom. This is found in the word of God, grace,
and love, which is demonstrated through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Biblically, adoption is
found in the New Testament, where it is used to describe believers' relationship with God. Like Galatians
4:4-7 says, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under
the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And
because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So, you
are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." Similarly, in Romans 8:15-17,
Paul writes, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the
Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our
spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ."
Historically, adoption has been an important theme in the theology of the early church fathers and the
Reformers. Augustine, believed adoption is essential part to salvation, and through God's grace believers
can become Gods children. Martin Luther, on the other hand, emphasized the legal aspect of adoption,
arguing that believers are declared righteous before God and given the status of his children through
faith in Christ. The doctrine of adoption addresses the problem of sin by highlighting God's grace and
love towards sinners. Because of sin, we are separated from God and are not deserving to be called Gods
children. But, Christ's death and resurrection, we have been brought back to God. We are no longer
slaves to sin because we have been set free to live as children of God. Adoption also addresses the
problem of our identity. Before God adopted us, we were slaves to sin and identified as such. By God
adopting us, we are his children, this shapes everything about us for example our understanding of
ourselves and our place in the world. The new identity is not based on our own or abilities, but on God's
grace for us. The doctrine of adoption has profound implications for the Christian life. It reminds us that
we are part of God's family and have been given the rights and privileges of his children. We have a new
self and a purpose in life, to live for God and to love others. In our chosen vocation, adoption should
influence the way we view our work and our relationships with others. We should see ourselves as God's
ambassadors, working. We should always remember God chose us for his kingdom.
Discover more documents: Sign up today!
Unlock a world of knowledge! Explore tailored content for a richer learning experience. Here's what you'll get:
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help