Dr. William Ebert

Of all the blessings the atonement secures, few reach deeper than this: God adopts us as his
own children. Three passages illuminate this gift: Rom 8:15–17; John 1:12–13; and John
14:18–20. John chapter one asserts that belief in Christ is crucial for becoming God’s child. This
rebirth is solely God’s act, free from human efforts (1:12–13).

Romans 8 illuminates the role of the Spirit in adoption. The Spirit enables us to call God “Abba,
Father,” mirroring Jesus’ invocation in the Garden (Mark 14:36). The Spirit testifies to us that we
are indeed God’s children (Rom 8:16). That same Spirit who intercedes within us (Rom 8:26) is
the bond of our relationship with God. We do not approach the Father as subjects approaching
a king, but as children coming home.”

Romans further reveals that we are not just children but heirs — co-heirs with Christ (Rom
8:17). Sadly, through some earthly agencies, children are adopted as household servants, but
God adopts us as true children and rightful heirs.

Enriching this concept, John’s Gospel offers comforting words from our Lord. Jesus assures all
believers that they need not be troubled or fearful (John 14:1). He promises to return declaring,
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). Finally, Jesus clearly
summarizes our spiritual union with Him and the Father: “In that day you will know that I am in
my Father, and you in me, and I in you” (John 14:20).

This multi-layered narrative of spiritual adoption — being born of God, endowed with the Spirit,
and co-heirs with Christ — offers a profound sense of identity, intimacy, and inheritance. Such
divine adoption is the gift of the atonement — now and forever. We know whose we are (John
1:12). We call God “Father” by the Spirit (Rom 8:15). We will share in the glory of Christ (Rom
8:17). To be born of God, indwelt by his Spirit, and named a co-heir with the Son is reason for
wonder that no theology can exhaust and no trial can remove.