What Adoption is All About in Bible Verses from The New Topical Textbook by R. A. Torrey.

[Alan Dale Gross]

Bible Topics.

Bible verses indexed by subject,
from The New Topical Textbook
by R. A. Torrey.

What Adoption is All About.​

• Explained.
  2 Corinthians 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
• Is according to promise.
  Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
  Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
• Is by faith.
  Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
  Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
• Is of God's grace.
  Ezekiel 16:3-6 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite. 4 And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. 5 None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born. 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.
  Romans 4:16-17 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
• Is through Christ.
  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:
  Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
• Saints predestinated unto.
  Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
  Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
  Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
• Of Gentiles, predicted.
  Hosea 2:23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.
  Romans 9:24-26 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
  Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
• The Adopted are gathered together in one by Christ.
  John 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
• New birth connected with.
  John 1:12-13 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: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
• The Holy Ghost is a Witness of.
  Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
• Being led by the Spirit is an evidence of.
  Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
• Saints receive the Spirit of.
  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, Abba, Father.
  Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
• A privilege of saints.
  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:
  1 John 3:1 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.
• Saints become brethren of Christ by.
  John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
  Hebrews 2:11-12 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
• Saints wait for final consummation of.
  Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
  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.
  1 John 3:2 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.
• Subjects saints to the fatherly discipline of God.
  Deuteronomy 8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
  2 Samuel 7:14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
  Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
• God is long-suffering and merciful towards the partakers of.
  Jeremiah 31:1 At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
  Jeremiah 31:9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
  Jeremiah 31:20 Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

con't

 

[Alan Dale Gross]

• Should lead to holiness.
  2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
  2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
  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;
  1 John 3:2-3 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. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
• SHOULD PRODUCE
• Likeness to God.
• Matthew 5:44-45 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
• Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
• • • Child-like confidence in God.
      Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: ...
    • A desire for God's glory.
      Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
    • A spirit of prayer.
      Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? ...
    • A love of peace.
      Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
    • A forgiving spirit.
      Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
    • A merciful spirit.
      Luke 6:35-36 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
    • An avoidance of ostentation.
      Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
      Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
      Matthew 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
• con't

 

[Alan Dale Gross]

• Safety of those who receive.
  Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
• Confers a new name.
  Numbers 6:27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
  Isaiah 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
  Acts 15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
• Entitles to an inheritance.
  Matthew 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  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 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
  Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
  Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
• Is to be pleaded in prayer.
  Isaiah 63:16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
  Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
• Illustrated.
  Joseph's sons,
  Genesis 48:5 And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
  Genesis 48:14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
  Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  Genesis 48:22 Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
  Moses,
  Exodus 2:10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.
  Esther,
  Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
• Typified.
  Israel,
  Exodus 4:22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
  Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
  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;
• Exemplified.
  Solomon,
  1 Chronicles 28:6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

 

[COrick]

Please note, Bro. Gross started this thread after having read and commented on my thread and then intentionally linked his thread in a comment on mine I assume for the purpose of inviting me to comment; otherwise, since he took it off my thread, I would not comment on his belief in this matter here. Whether a person believes what Bro. Gross believes or what I believe is a secondary issue - and I am looking for someone that is able to refute my belief irrefutably as I know that I am in the minority.

I believe that the first thing we need to do is set the conversation in context, so I will post what I posted to start my thread.

It follows.

"So, I am wondering if I am missing something.

1. It is my understanding that in Biblical Rome, the standard custom of adoption was to adopt a person who was full grown and had already proven their value to the adopting family. (This is for Historical context).
2. I understand Romans 8:15 to mean that I have received the "Spirit of Adoption" (which is the Holy Spirit) at the new birth (in the same split millisecond as justification) and that I cry "Abba, Father" by the Holy Spirit. I can present more reasons for this but will not here.
3. Romans 8:23 says that we (as Christians) are "waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body"; therefore, the adoption has not yet occurred according to this verse and, in context, is what all of creation "the creature" is waiting for. Romans 9:4 (still in the same context) states that this adoption pertains to the Israelites (The Abrahamic Covenant which I understand us to have been grafted into).
4. Gal. 4:5 tells us that the child and servant are waiting for the "adoption of sons". Further, we are told that Christ came "that we might receive …" (subjunctive in the Greek so I understand it to mean in order to make us able to receive and not referring to our actual receipt of adoption) which still leaves the child and the servant waiting for the adoption.
5. Gal. 4:6 says "And because ye are sons", which I believe is the best argument in the English for past adoption; however, the Greek word for "And" is G1161 ("de") which is "a particle adversative, distinctive, disjuctive". Therefore, I understand the "And" to mean that while the Gal. 4:5 statement and the Gal. 4:6 statement are true, they are not related and do not build on each other.
6. Eph. 1:5 states "Having predestinated us unto the adoption …". As this list is to encourage the Christian to praise the Load, and the verb tense is present perfect; I understand this statement to refer to our current state as Christians and (according to Thayer's) G1519 ("unto") in this instance refers to the universal end for which we were predestinated. Therefore, I understand this to mean that the universal end for which I am being sanctified (to which I understand predestination to refer) is the adoption (which leaves adoption in the future, as my sanctification is not yet complete).

And so, I have gone through every instance of the word "adoption" in the New Testament and studied the Historical context and I fail to see sufficient support for adoption at the moment of Justification / New Birth (the closest is Gal 4:6 which I currently reject because the Greek word is G1161 ("de") and not G2532 ("kai") and yet it is preached as fact regularly. Am I missing something?!?!?! I would really like to know.

Please note, I am using KJV on blueletterbible.org for my study and using Thayer's definitions. When the reference is in the Thayer's Scripture index, I use that definition"

Allow me time to look through the verses listed above, and I will post my response, since, apparently, this thread was made for specifically that purpose

 

[Alan Dale Gross]

, I have gone through every instance of the word "adoption" in the New Testament and studied the Historical context and I fail to see sufficient support for adoption at the moment of Justification / New Birth

I believe it is in there where we can find it, as long as we realize that we can view Adoption in all of the various qualities of it that are shown in the Bible (noted below in bold red), without being dependent on having to conclude that it is absolute just one thing, or another, as if it can be defined in one way exclusively.

Allow me time to look through the verses listed above, and I will post my response, since, apparently, this thread was made for specifically that purpose

Not to be personally conflicting with your quest, I simply happened upon that Topically listing on the topic of Adoption and it was a refreshing glimpse at the expanse of information included, that helped me to open up more insight about Adoption in the Bible, rather than to be constricted to the few verses which actually contain the word, but you brought them back over here, to smother me out with them again, anyway...just kidding.

I'm not exactly dying here.

We're on this journey in the Christian live together. We're not at odds with one another in a competition.

I sure didn't mean any offense by piggybacking off of your original posting.

It is my understanding that in Biblical Rome, the standard custom of adoption

We can gain a great deal of understanding about what God would have us to know about the underlying concept of His Revealed truths about the Adoption of His children into His family, by comparing our Spiritual Adoption with the Civil Adoption of children at that time in history, if that is part of what you want to look at.

I understand Romans 8:15 to mean that I have received the "Spirit of Adoption" (which is the Holy Spirit) at the new birth (in the same split millisecond as justification) and that I cry "Abba, Father" by the Holy Spirit

I believe that this is clear enough for someone to feel comfortable knowing that, "I have received the "Spirit of Adoption" (which is the Holy Spirit) at the new birth", however, since Justification is brought up, it may also be profitable to note the things which show us what the difference is between Adoption and Justification.

And while we are at it, it is also interesting to note that Adoption is described as having peculiarities where we can see that it is different from Regeneration.

Romans 8:23 says that we (as Christians) are "waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body"; therefore, the adoption has not yet occurred according to this verse and, in context, is what all of creation "the creature" is waiting for.

Here is then, the aspect mentioned concerning the Future characteristic of Adoption, for which we are "waiting", which can be further explored.

Romans 9:4 (still in the same context) states that this adoption pertains to the Israelites (The Abrahamic Covenant which I understand us to have been grafted into).

A clarification regarding the Adoption referred to when the Bible talks about Israel may also be in order.

Eph. 1:5 states "Having predestinated us unto the adoption …". As this list is to encourage the Christian to praise the Load, and the verb tense is present perfect; I understand this statement to refer to our current state as Christians and (according to Thayer's) G1519 ("unto") in this instance refers to the universal end for which we were predestinated.

One of the strongest benefits we can gain to aid in our overall grasp of Adoption to start with is by studying the Historical Fact of the Eternal element of Adoption, by which we are Adopted in Eternity Past when God Predestinated us unto Adoption.

Whether a person believes what Bro. Gross believes or what I believe is a secondary issue - and I am looking for someone that is able to refute my belief irrefutably as I know that I am in the minority.

I always like to bracket the Persons of the Triune Godhead around any given subject matter when it is available, to the gather in the perspective of each One, Individually, and see where the Lord may show us either an expanded or restricted definition He gives us about, in this case, the various particulars about Adoption.

Like Tony Robbins said, there may be specific "principal determinants" in those Gold mines of God's Holy Word which will enable us to better "leverage" a solid belief of Adoption, in which we can be certain.

What it is that you say you believe that you are looking for someone to "refute my belief irrefutably", and why, just happens to allude me at the moment.

Did you want to dive into any of the other specific points about Adoption brought up above, along the way, while we're at it?

 

[COrick]

My response to the above is attached.

 

[COrick]

I believe it is in there where we can find it, as long as we realize that we can view Adoption in all of the various qualities of it that are shown in the Bible (noted below in bold red), without being dependent on having to conclude that it is absolute just one thing, or another, as if it can be defined in one way exclusively.

Then, may I ask what your definition of adoption is. My Definition follows:

Definition of Adoption – “Than moment in time at which God the Father clearly manifests to all of the heavenly hosts, yea and even to the universe itself, that we (His children) are the sons of God and our sanctification process is complete.”

If we do not have a definition for adoption, than we will have trouble discussing it.

I sure didn't mean any offense by piggybacking off of your original posting.

I was not offended, I apparently just misunderstood the purpose

We can gain a great deal of understanding about what God would have us to know about the underlying concept of His Revealed truths about the Adoption of His children into His family, by comparing our Spiritual Adoption with the Civil Adoption of children at that time in history, if that is part of what you want to look at.

I do believe that the adoption law that was in place at the time of the writing is part of the historical context; therefore, it is part of the context, As such I believe it is a necessary part of the discussion.

I believe that this is clear enough for someone to feel comfortable knowing that, "I have received the "Spirit of Adoption" (which is the Holy Spirit) at the new birth", however, since Justification is brought up, it may also be profitable to note the things which show us what the difference is between Adoption and Justification.

I will often refer to the moment of Justification, by which I mean the instant in time in which our justification is applied to us along with all the other things that occur at the same instant in time. I am sorry if my terminology caused confusion.

And while we are at it, it is also interesting to note that Adoption is described as having peculiarities where we can see that it is different from Regeneration.

I agree wholeheartedly that the adoption is distinct from regeneration.

Here is then, the aspect mentioned concerning the Future characteristic of Adoption, for which we are "waiting", which can be further explored.

I would just say, according to the natural reading of the text, that this verse tells us when the adoption occurs.

A clarification regarding the Adoption referred to when the Bible talks about Israel may also be in order.

I would be open to you presenting the clarification that you would suggest.

One of the strongest benefits we can gain to aid in our overall grasp of Adoption to start with is by studying the Historical Fact of the Eternal element of Adoption, by which we are Adopted in Eternity Past when God Predestinated us unto Adoption.

Here you are referring to Eph 1:5, which I would posit is given to existing Christians to tell them that they should be praising the Lord right now. With that understanding, we would come to the conclusion that while the Christian is predestinated unto the adoption, he has not yet received it.

I always like to bracket the Persons of the Triune Godhead around any given subject matter when it is available, to the gather in the perspective of each One, Individually, and see where the Lord may show us either an expanded or restricted definition He gives us about, in this case, the various particulars about Adoption.

Like Tony Robbins said, there may be specific "principal determinants" in those Gold mines of God's Holy Word which will enable us to better "leverage" a solid belief of Adoption, in which we can be certain.

In order to believe something, it is extremely helpful to be able to define the term.

What it is that you say you believe that you are looking for someone to "refute my belief irrefutably", and why, just happens to allude me at the moment.

Did you want to dive into any of the other specific points about Adoption brought up above, along the way, while we're at it?

What I am saying is, "I know I am in the extreme minority on this subject; therefore, I would like someone to be able to show me where I am conclusively wrong."

Being in such an extreme minority is no fun.

 

[Alan Dale Gross]

My response to the above is attached.

Oh, here we go.

You just launched us into attachment-ville.

Great.

"All of the above statements can just as easily be explained by the new birth – and even more so explained, because adoption does not change the nature in the person, that nature is from the new birth (i.e. a wicked person who is 17 years old that I adopt into my family will most likely continue to behave in his wicked manner.)"

Right.

"I am of opinion they are distinct blessings of grace, and so to be considered: adoption is a distinct thing from either justification or pardon.

"A subject may be acquitted by his sovereign from charges laid against him; and a criminal, convicted and condemned, may be pardoned, yet does not become his son;"

But, then there is the topic at hand:

"if adopted, and taken into his family, it must be by a distinct and fresh act of royal favour."

So, that takes things one step further.

And, for the sake of argument presents Adoption as taking place for the very purpose of accomplishing the persons entrance to becoming a part of their family.
...

"The first three assume that holiness is the response to the adoption and not the new birth.

"Whereas, the last one takes a verse about the future adoption and what the hope for that future adoption should do in our lives now and then claims the effect of the hope is due to our past adoption – this does not seem to follow logical processes."

O.K.

However, for all of your efforts to divorce, dismiss, and banish Adoption from the New Birth, the New Birth is the result of Adoption;

"There is a difference also between adoption and regeneration, though, divines usually confound these two together. They both have the same author; the same God and Father adopts and regenerates; they flow from the same love and grace; and the same persons that are adopted are regenerated;

"and they are adopted and begotten again unto the same inheritance: but adoption is before regeneration; the one is an act of God’s will in eternity, the other is an act and work of his grace in time;

"the one is the cause, the other the effect; men are not adopted because regenerated, which would seem unnecessary; but they are regenerated because adopted; “because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts”; to regenerate, to sanctify, and testify their adoption (Gal. 4:6),

"regeneration is the fruit and effect of adoption, and the evidence of it (John 1:12, 13),

"adoption gives the name of sons, and a title to the inheritance; and regeneration gives the nature of sons, and a meetness for the inheritance."
...

"I agree, the Romans Passages are the only time that the Bible clearly and plainly states that the adoption occurs and Romans 8 is primarily where I get my definition of what the adoption is from.

"Definition of Adoption – “Than moment in time at which God the Father clearly manifests to all of the heavenly hosts, yea and even to the universe itself, that we (His children) are the sons of God and our sanctification process is complete.”

So, the critical decision of making the unilateral determination of what Adoption is and the only thing it can be is encapsulated in this definition you have settled on, as the ultimate valid criteria for judging whether the Bible has your permission to present any other alternative.

That gives us another boundary that we aren't allowed to transgress, to add to your conclusion regarding what the conjunction, "de", can specify, in opposition to its various other connotations derived from the context.

Then, thirdly, there is the restriction governing the Civil law on Adoption that you bring to the table, as if it is comprehensive on the overall subject.

Why you even are giving any thought to Adoption not taking place in the scheme and Eternal Plan of Salvation, as part and parcel of the Blessing of Grace Granted to all saved children of God, I am not able to fathom.

Stacking the deck with all your immovable parameters gives you a win, by tying the hands of anyone approaching the prospect of answering your questions or attempting to refute what you believe, so congratulations.

Relegating Adoption to transpire at and only at the time a soul passes into their Eternal Inheritance gives you the distinction of inventing a situation that doesn't involve the Adoption that took place in Eternity Past, ether, no more than you are trying to propose that nothing of the kind can be a part of a person's Salvation experience.

Strong work.

Fantastic.

There is no more truth to it than that your guidelines required by you for interpreting it are God Breathed, by there you go.

One more. If you do have a passage that "gets you in trouble", just do like all the other modern thinkers and take it upon yourself to just commit it from the Bible, if you don't like it.

Hope that helps.

You're well on your way to waisting everyone's time.
...

"I agree that we receive the Holy Spirit at justification / new birth."

"Since I know that I did not exercise any power of mine (which, the power listed in this verse was given to me) at my justification. Then this power must be for a later time."

"Adoption is a part and branch of justification, and included in it; since that part of justification which lies in the imputation of the righteousness of Christ entitles to eternal life, hence called, “the justification of life”, as adoption does;

"so that the children of God may be said to have a twofold title to eternal life; adoption by the free grace of God making them sons, which entitles them to eternal life; the other by justification in a legal way, and confirms the former, adoption, and opens a way for their adoption;

"such that are justified by the grace of God, through the righteousness of Christ, are “heirs” of it, as adopted ones be; “if children, then heirs” (Rom. 5:18; Titus 3:7; Rom. 8:17), is the way to adoption: the “white stone” of absolution, or justification, and the “new name” of adoption, go together in the gift of Christ to the overcomer (Rev. 2:17)."
...

"Assumes that this is not because of the new birth – as I said, between the new birth and the adoption (which the only direct time frame for it in the Bible is the redemption of our bodies and the end of our sanctification) we are referred to as either child or son depending on whether we are behaving childishly or maturely."

"The only direct time frame" looks like another rule you have to add to your arsenal, too.

Looks like this is never going to end.
...

* New birth connected with.

John 1:12-13 "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: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

"So, notice the tenses God gave the power to them that were born to become.
...

"The legitimate child that is not yet adopted (See discussions on Roman Law for context) is already heir, but waiting for his natural father to adopt him."

"There is a civil and a religious adoption.

"A civil adoption, and which obtained among all nations; among the Egyptians, so Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter; and among the Hebrews, so Esther by Mordecai;

"and it obtained much among the Romans, to which, as used by them, the allusion is in the New Testament, in a religious sense; it is sometimes used of the whole people of the Jews, to whom belonged “the adoption” (Rom. 9:4) and at other times, of some special and particular persons, both among Jews and Gentiles;

"for of the former all were “not the children of God”; and of the latter, if they were believers in Christ, they were Abraham’s spiritual seed, “and heirs according to the promise”, (Rom. 9:7, 8; Gal. 3:26, 29)."
...

"This verse is in a list which is designed to encourage us to Praise God because of the state we are currently in and, as such, tells us that we are currently not adopted and the final goal of our sanctification is our adoption (unto)."

"That we might receive is a statement of Christ making it possible for us to receive and does not include the actual receipt of the adoption (this is borne out in the mood of the Greek word in addition to the verbiage in the English) – based on other verses, we receive it later."

"the elect of God were not only predestin-
ated to the adoption of children, to the blessing itself, openly and actually to enjoy it in time,

"and to the inheritance adopted to; but this blessing itself was provided and bestowed in the everlasting covenant of grace, in which the elect of God had not only the promise of this relation, but were in it given to Christ under this relation and character (Eph 1:5; 2 Cor. 6:18; Heb. 2:13), hence they are spoken of as the children of God and Christ."

All Commentary is from:
The Body of Divinity by John Gill.

 

[COrick]

You're well on your way to waisting everyone's time.

Since
1. you apparently believe I am well on my way to "waisting [wasting] everyone's time.
2. Charity is kind
3. I am supposed to love (charity[agape']) the brethren
4. wasting your time would not be kind

I shall bow out of this conversation on your thread.
Unless invited back, I will not post on this thread again.

 

[percho]

When one adopts, what is he doing? Is he not choosing to be?

Rom 8:19 NKJV For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God [those chosen and given the Spirit of adoption].

When does the revelation of the sons take place. The adoption to whit? Is it not; Luke 20:36 NKJV “nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

Does that being made alive take place by the Spirit? Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

When it the mortal changed to immortal? In a moment in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump?

​

 

[Alan Dale Gross]

I shall bow out of this conversation on your thread.

I'd hope to think that you would also bow out of any coin tossing we might agree to do, by following my insistence that we have to play by my rule of, "heads I win/ tails you lose", based on its quality of one sidedness.

It just doesn't seem fair, does it?