Waiting for the Adoption
Paul uses the word adoption 5 times in the word of God. For many this is simply connected with being in the family of God. But the question is if we are born spiritually into the family of God then why do we need to be adopted? The answer lies in the fact that adoption must be something else. Let us look to the word of God and see if we can get an understanding on the word adoption and how it applies to us.
The word adoption is only found in five places in the Bible. These places are Romans 8:15, Romans 8:23, Romans 9:4, Galatians 4:5, and Ephesians 1:5. Below we will make a chain reference for each one of these to show what is going on in the passage.
Romans 8:15 (We have received the Spirit of Adoption)
Romans 8:23 (We are waiting for the Adoption)
Romans 9:4 (The Adoption pertains to the Israelites)
Galatians 4:5 (That we might receive the Adoption of sons)
Ephesians 1:5 (We are predestinated to the Adoptions of children by Jesus Christ)
The second reference above is the one that gives us a good definition for Adoption. Note that in Romans 8:23 we are said to be “waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body”. This verse plainly tells us that adoption is the redemption of the body. At salvation we are spiritually born into the family of God, but nothing happens to our flesh.
When Jesus comes at the rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57) then our bodies will be changed into a glorious body like his (Philippians 3:20-21 ; Romans 8:28-29). This is the redemption of the body. Those who were dead in Christ are raised incorruptible and those who are alive are changed.
The reason that we are said to have received the Spirit of Adoption is found in the context of the passage. Note that in Romans 8:11 the same Spirit that raised up Jesus will also raise us up. This is the Spirit of Adoption.
When we look at Romans 9:4 it is said that the adoption pertaineth to Israel, so what is this all about? Israel all through the Old Testament was promised a resurrection (Ezekiel 37:1-14 ; John 11:23-25). Also, in Romans 4:13-25 Abraham is said to be the heir of the world and it is connected with a seed and resurrection. This same thing is seen in Galatians 3:7-29 with the addition of the fact that the seed is Christ.
The word adoption then fits perfectly because physically we are born in the fallen image of Adam. Since we cannot be physically born into God’s family then we are adopted when we receive our glorified bodies. Therefore, we are waiting for the adoption, and we should be living as if we are waiting for the adoption.