SONSHIP 15 THE ADOPTION

ADOPTION

The word "ADOPTION" is one that is not very well understood as it is used in the Bible. Its meaning in the time of the translation of the Bible was different than it is today--hence the confusion over what it is trying to say to us.

It comes from the Greek word Huiothesia, and it means to "PLACE AS A SON" rather than to go get a child and raise it as your own. IT WAS A PRACTICE IN BIBLE TIMES, TO ESTABLISH YOUR SON AS A FULL PARTNER IN YOUR BUSINESS OF CARPENTRY, FARMING, OR WHATEVER YOU WERE ENGAGED IN DOING FOR A LIVING. This was usually done at age 30, which was believed to be the age of maturity in that time.

It was at age 30 that Jesus would have had to be "adopted" (placed as a Son) into the trade of Joseph--HAD IT NOT BEEN THAT HIS TRUE FATHER, THE HOLY GHOST, HAD LAID CLAIM TO HIM AT THE RIVER JORDAN, AND, DESCENDING IN A VISIBLE FORM UPON HIM, SAID, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.

Jesus immediately launched into His earthly Ministry, known as the Messianic Ministry. He began to "do the work of His Father" on earth.

AFTER HIS MINISTRY OF 3 1/2 YEARS WAS FINISHED, JESUS SENT THE HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT OF ADOPTION--PLACING AS SONS) INTO THE EARTH TO DWELL IN THE HEARTS OF MEN WHO WILL OPEN THEIR LIVES TO HIM. What a difference it makes in our lives after we have experienced this Baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as He gives utterance (prompts). Rom 8:

Scripture tells us that this "Adoption" belongs to Israel, along with the Covenants and promises given to Abraham. The ONLY RECOGNIZED PART OF ISRAEL has, for the most part, completely rejected the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ, but their rejection does not, in any way nullify those covenants, promises, and benefits to the OTHER PORTIONS OF ISRAEL, and also the Gentiles who believe on Jesus.

A careful tracing of the promise given to Abraham will lead us through the patriarchs to David. From David it was passed to Jesus Christ. JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES THAT THEY WERE TO WAIT IN JERUSALEM FOR THE "PROMISE OF THE FATHER".

PAUL CLEARLY IDENTIFIES THIS "PROMISE" AS BEING THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST, EVIDENCED BY THE SPEAKING IN A LANGUAGE WE HAVE NOT KNOWN.

BUT WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION WHILE WE ENJOY THE WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION. In fact, we groan within ourselves while we wait. THAT WHICH IS YET TO COME is so much greater than what we have that we hunger for the completeness of this "earnest" which we have received.

ADOPTION IS LIKENED TO THE "REDEMPTION OF OUR BODIES". Our bodies are still in the bondage of corruption--being sold under sin. THE NATURE OF SIN IS STILL RESIDENT WITHIN US EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF GOD INTO OUR HEARTS.

We would love to be able to do ALL THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO DO IF WE WERE NOT HINDERED BY THE SINFULNESS OF OUR BODIES. Try as we might, we cannot seem to get free from that hindrance. And, so, we must await God's timing in His plan of salvation.

WE MOST CERTAINLY DO HAVE A TIME ELEMENT TO CONTEND WITH, AND NO ONE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN TRYING TO CIRCUMVENT IT. WE ARE BOUND TO IT.

But God's day WILL come, soon, I hope, AND THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR IT, WILL HAVE AN EXPERIENCE IN GOD WHICH WILL SUPERCEDE ANYTHING EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE--THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY.

Redemption of our bodies will SET US FREE FROM THE FALLEN NATURE OF MAN, the nature that is contrary to Godly Principles as shown in Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

When we are free of that hindrance of the sinful nature, we will not have the "weight, and sin, that so easily besets us" to guard against, lest it taint our actions and motives.

We will then be FREE (Perfect Liberty) to do the "Works of our Father", as Jesus was able to do what He saw to be the Will of God.

We will, then, BE TRUSTWORTHY to use the mighty power of God without the dangers of showing partiality or taking revenge on those who show an unfriendly attitude toward us.

You see, this planet Earth is going to hear the pure Gospel of the Kingdom, and is going to see a demonstration of the real power of God through human beings. The earth is going to be reaped before the Grapes of Wrath are gathered and trodden in the great Winepress of God.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, whereby we cry, A bba, Father.

Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

Romans 9:4 WHO ARE ISRAELITES; TO WHOM [PERTAINETH] THE ADOPTION, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.

Ephesians 1:5 Having PREDESTINATED US UNTO THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN BY JESUS CHRIST to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,