A Transformed Hope

Romans 8:15: 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." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 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.

I recently read a book by Joel Beeke on the doctrine of adoption [Heirs With Christ: The Puritans on Adoption (RHB, 2008)]. In one chapter, Beeke writes of how our adoption as God’s sons transforms our view of the future:

God’s child is like a poor peasant who has been taken out of the mire and raised to the position of prince of the realm. The adopted prince lives in the palace, has free access to the king, and enjoys the king’s favor, love and protection. The prince tells the king that he cannot comprehend the greatness of the king’s love; it is unspeakably great to him. The king responds: "You have not begun to see the extent of it. Your inheritance is coming to you."

If our present privileges as God’s adopted children are so great that the world cannot grasp them, our future prospects are so glorious that even we cannot fully grasp them. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "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." Because God is our Father and we are his adopted children, we have a full inheritance awaiting us. The best is yet to be. Today we experience great blessings, despite our infirmities and sins; but one day we will be in glory, free from sin and living in perfect communion with God. Our heavenly Father keeps the best surprises for His children until the end, when He will turn all their sorrow into joy.

May God open our eyes to perceive all the promises, privileges, responsibilities, and hopes that have been granted us as sons of God through Christ.

Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle

Note: Evangel article for June 24, 2009.