Temple Baptist Church - 7-29-2009
Galatians 4:1-2, 7
Introduction:
A. We are now sons and not servants. We are sons who serve though!
B. The difference between rewards and inheritance.
1. Rewards based upon service - 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
a) Crowns to cast - Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (To be cast at His feet.)
Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
b) Cities to govern - Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Millennium)
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
2. Inheritance is based upon sonship - Psalms 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
C. Rewards can be lost. 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
D. Inheritance cannot be lost. 1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
E. I want to look at our inheritance for a few minutes. I want to say at the ontset of this message that what I will preach on is infinitely beyond our ability to comprehend.
Isaiah 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
F. Eternal things are beyond our realm of experience and we can only fully comprehend that which we have experienced. Sometimes in times of grief, we say to people, “I know how you feel.” You can only know how they feel if you have been there. I have not been to heaven!
G. I have chosen these verses to expound tonight in light of inheritance.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1. Our Inheritance Is Solely Based Upon Sonship – “begotten us again”
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (Once saved we have eternal life. Born into God’s family for time and eternity. Every son has equal inheritance. I find no degrees of heaven found in the Bible. Degrees of reward to cast and degrees of cities to reign over in the Kingdom, but eternity has not degrees. Every son is a son and equally loved of the Father.)
2. Our Inheritance Is Incorruptible – “to an inheritance incorruptible” (Incorruptible means not to decay) Some people are born into wealthy families but, before they inherit, those fortunes are lost through bad business deals, etc. Our inheritance cannot either be lost nor diminish.)
a. It cannot be corrupted - Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (I understand that the interpretation is rewards earned but it also states that nothing can harm, change, or diminish eternal things. Thank God for the incorruptibility of our inheritance.)
b. I cannot be enjoyed by corrupt people - 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
3. Our Inheritance Is Undefiled – “undefiled” (Eternity will be absolutely holy)
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (A holy earth with the curse gone)
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (A holy heaven with the pollution gone)
Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. (A holy city)
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Psalms 48:1-2 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. 2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
4. Our Inheritance Is Unfadable – “fadeth not away” (It will not diminish in glory)
Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (The smell of leather in a new car diminishes much quicker than the payment book! We buy new things and then the newness wears off and they are just things. The glory and joy of our eternal inheritance will never lose its glory or joy. It will be new and exciting forever!)
a. Glory that will never die.
b. Pleasure that will never end.
c. Excitement that will never go away.
5. Our Inheritance Is Reserved – “reserved in heaven for you” (It will be there when we get there.)
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (Our hope is a living one. Our lives are not in vain and heaven is “far better,” as the Apostle Paul put it. Our past is fleeting and our future is secure! Secured by Christ.)
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
1 Peter 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sons, Not Servants
Temple Baptist Church - 7-22-2009
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. When a person gets saved, they assume the position of sonship in Christ. We have now entered into a relationship of a Father to His children. This position brings with it both blessings and responsibilities.
B. As sons:
1. As Sons, We Know Who We Are:
a) We Have An Inner Witness - Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (The Holy Spirit assures us.)
b) An Outward Witness - 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (Our actions confirm us.)
2. As Sons, We know What We Are:
a) We Are Sons Of God By The New Birth – Therefore, we take on the characteristics of the Father.
John 1:12 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:
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
b) We Are Adopted Sons Of God By Choice – Therefore, we have the irrevocable privileges that go with intentional adoption (We had neither a surprise birth nor an unwanted one. We are His because He chose to set His affection upon us!)
Galatians 4:4-7 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. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
C. Because we are sons, we are no more servants—though we do serve! Our motivation to serve our heavenly Father is both one of love and debt. We love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. Paul said, “I am debtor!”
D. I want to look at some of the blessings, and responsibilities of sonship:
THE BLESSINGS OF SONSHIP:
1. The Blessing Of Coming To God Any Time We Want. (A servant must be called before he approaches.)
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2. The Blessing Of Being Over Comers In This World. (A servant is overcome and in under bondage or indentured.)
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
3. The Blessing Of The Indwelling Holy Spirit. (A servant knows that he is just that but a son realizes that—though he still serves—he is a son.)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
4. The Blessing Of Being Led by The Holy Spirit. (A servant is ordered while a son is guided.)
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
5. The Blessing Of Chastisement. (A servant is treated differently than that of a son. My father never whipped someone else’s children.)
Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
6. The Blessing Of Heir Ship. (A servant works for room and board while a son will one day become heir to everything owned by the Father.)
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SONSHIP
1. The Responsibility Of Obedience
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2. The Responsibility Of Spiritual Growth
Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
3. The Responsibility Of Testimony
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
4. The Responsibility Of Soul Winning
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
5. The Responsibility Of Faithfulness
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. When a person gets saved, they assume the position of sonship in Christ. We have now entered into a relationship of a Father to His children. This position brings with it both blessings and responsibilities.
B. As sons:
1. As Sons, We Know Who We Are:
a) We Have An Inner Witness - Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (The Holy Spirit assures us.)
b) An Outward Witness - 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (Our actions confirm us.)
2. As Sons, We know What We Are:
a) We Are Sons Of God By The New Birth – Therefore, we take on the characteristics of the Father.
John 1:12 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:
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
b) We Are Adopted Sons Of God By Choice – Therefore, we have the irrevocable privileges that go with intentional adoption (We had neither a surprise birth nor an unwanted one. We are His because He chose to set His affection upon us!)
Galatians 4:4-7 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. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
C. Because we are sons, we are no more servants—though we do serve! Our motivation to serve our heavenly Father is both one of love and debt. We love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. Paul said, “I am debtor!”
D. I want to look at some of the blessings, and responsibilities of sonship:
THE BLESSINGS OF SONSHIP:
1. The Blessing Of Coming To God Any Time We Want. (A servant must be called before he approaches.)
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2. The Blessing Of Being Over Comers In This World. (A servant is overcome and in under bondage or indentured.)
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
3. The Blessing Of The Indwelling Holy Spirit. (A servant knows that he is just that but a son realizes that—though he still serves—he is a son.)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
4. The Blessing Of Being Led by The Holy Spirit. (A servant is ordered while a son is guided.)
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
5. The Blessing Of Chastisement. (A servant is treated differently than that of a son. My father never whipped someone else’s children.)
Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
6. The Blessing Of Heir Ship. (A servant works for room and board while a son will one day become heir to everything owned by the Father.)
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SONSHIP
1. The Responsibility Of Obedience
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2. The Responsibility Of Spiritual Growth
Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
3. The Responsibility Of Testimony
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
4. The Responsibility Of Soul Winning
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
5. The Responsibility Of Faithfulness
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Adoption
Temple Baptist Church - 7-8-2009
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. Adoption – the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents including the right to inherit. Adoption, in Christian theology, is the term that describes the admission of a believer into the family of God.
B. Adoption – an overview. Adoption refers to the act by which an adult formally becomes the guardian of a child and incurs the rights and responsibilities of a parent. At the conclusion of the formal process, a legal relationship between child and guardian will have formed. The legal relationship results in the adoptee becoming the legal heir of the adopter and terminates any legal rights then in existence with the natural parents.
1. The Adopter now has rights (The natural parents (Adamic) have none!)
2. The Adopter now has responsibility
C. While certain jurisdictions only permit one of the two types of adoptions, other jurisdictions recognize two types of adoptions: open and closed adoptions.
1. An open adoption – permits the birth mother to select her child’s adoptive parents.
2. A closed adoption – the birth mother relinquishes all rights over the child and allows a state administrative agency to conduct the selection process. Most of the time, the birth mother does not even know who adopted the children or where they live. (Spiritually, our adoption is a “closed adoption.” God makes the selection. This is not Calvinism! The birth mother does not even know where we live – hid with Christ in God!)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (Our selection depends upon our belief [faith] in the truth.)
D. The Adoption was initiated by God:
1. He Knew Us -Psalms 139:13-18 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (17) How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
2. He Loved Us - Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
3. He Desired Us - Ezekiel 16:6 And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.
4. He Redeemed Us -Romans 5:9-10 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
1. Adoption Is A Present Work - 1 John 3:1-2 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. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
2. Adoption Is A Purposed Work - Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
3. Adoption Is A Perfect Work - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
4. Adoption Is A Permanent Work - 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. Adoption – the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents including the right to inherit. Adoption, in Christian theology, is the term that describes the admission of a believer into the family of God.
B. Adoption – an overview. Adoption refers to the act by which an adult formally becomes the guardian of a child and incurs the rights and responsibilities of a parent. At the conclusion of the formal process, a legal relationship between child and guardian will have formed. The legal relationship results in the adoptee becoming the legal heir of the adopter and terminates any legal rights then in existence with the natural parents.
1. The Adopter now has rights (The natural parents (Adamic) have none!)
2. The Adopter now has responsibility
C. While certain jurisdictions only permit one of the two types of adoptions, other jurisdictions recognize two types of adoptions: open and closed adoptions.
1. An open adoption – permits the birth mother to select her child’s adoptive parents.
2. A closed adoption – the birth mother relinquishes all rights over the child and allows a state administrative agency to conduct the selection process. Most of the time, the birth mother does not even know who adopted the children or where they live. (Spiritually, our adoption is a “closed adoption.” God makes the selection. This is not Calvinism! The birth mother does not even know where we live – hid with Christ in God!)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (Our selection depends upon our belief [faith] in the truth.)
D. The Adoption was initiated by God:
1. He Knew Us -Psalms 139:13-18 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (17) How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
2. He Loved Us - Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
3. He Desired Us - Ezekiel 16:6 And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.
4. He Redeemed Us -Romans 5:9-10 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
1. Adoption Is A Present Work - 1 John 3:1-2 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. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
2. Adoption Is A Purposed Work - Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
3. Adoption Is A Perfect Work - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
4. Adoption Is A Permanent Work - 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
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