Who Am I? An Adopted Child of God
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “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 joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
– Romans 8:14-17
Adoption can indeed be a very tough and costly process for prospective parents as they navigate the necessary channels to acquire the child they so desperately long for. This was certainly true for God as well, as He gave His very Son to the cross, so that we could have the opportunity to be called His children. How amazing it is that God would give so much to choose us! And all we have to do to receive this adoption is choose Him back. That is what being “led by the Spirit” is all about…daily choosing to allow God’s Spirit to lead your life.
Not only does this passage remind Christ-followers that we are children of God, but also heirs of God. An heir is one who has a right of inheritance. Because of what Christ did on the cross, God has given all Christians the inheritance of eternal life. (Titus 3:7, John 3:16) As if that’s not enough, Scripture tells us that one day all Believers will also inherit all things in God’s new creation. (Revelation 21:7)
No matter what your earthly family is like, know that as a child of God you are a part of the family of God. You can come before God boldly, knowing that you have full access to your Heavenly Father who has adopted you. You can have confidence that no sin, mistake, or anything in all creation can separate you from His love. (Romans 8:38-39) Even if you do sin, His discipline is further proof of His Fatherly love. Revelation 3:19 says, “I correct and discipline everyone I love.” (NLT)
Challenge…
As you pray today, do so with confidence as you come before your Father. Use terms of endearment (“Abba, Father”) as you spend time with the One who has given His all so that He can call you His child. Embrace your significance as a child of The King!
*Devotion by Tripp Atkinson as it appears in Impact Student Leadership Devotional. To purchase, click here. For more devotions and encouragement, click here.