What is adoption?

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 34. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

1. 1 John 3:1

   (See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children—and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: Because it did not know him. (NET)

2. John 1:12

   But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children— (NET)

3. Romans 8:17

   And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ)—if indeed we suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him. (NET)

What does this answer mean?

Adoption is another act of God's free grace. God receives us into the number of his children and gives us a right to all the privileges of the sons of God. Justification shows God as judge declaring us righteous; adoption shows God as Father welcoming us into his family.

What can we ask our children?

1. What does it mean to be adopted?
2. What are some privileges of being in God's family?
3. How is God a better Father than any earthly father?