“so that we might receive adoption as sons” – Galatians 4:5
Scripture reading: Galatians 4:1-7
Today we will compare two pictures. Both are true of a believer’s relationship with God. First, the guilty believer is before the Judge, awaiting punishment. The believer’s sin is seen in full. He is ugly, naked and dirty. However, the Judge sees the Believer’s faith (given by the Holy Spirit) and sees Jesus’ blood. God’s wrath is turned away. The Believer is forgiven. Cleaned. Dressed in white robes of righteousness. Beautiful.
The second picture is of an orphan. The child is deeply sad, lonely and abandoned. He feels insecure without a home and does not trust others. From this place of pain, it is hard to do anything. But God hugs the believers and says, “Son, you are mine.” (If the believer is female, God calls her ‘Daughter.’) The believer is adopted as God’s child. He receives a place in His home. He is welcomed into His family. He has a big brother, Jesus, and many other siblings, the church. He is heir to God’s promises. He is comforted and secure in the arms of his loving Father. The Father delights in His child. He tenderly and patiently disciplines His child. He protects His child and gives His child gifts.
The first is a picture of justification. This is truly a joyous moment in a believer’s life; however, adoption is probably more precious. When God tells the believer to call Him, “Father,” the believer’s life changes forever because of this new relationship with God.
Suggestions for prayer
Believer, thank God for being your Father. Ask Him to show you all the ways this changes your life. Unbeliever, ask for faith and forgiveness.
Katelyn Van Haren is a member of Redeemer United Reformed Church in Lacombe, Alberta. She received a liberal arts degree from Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario in honours accounting and is a CPA. Katelyn and her husband have five children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com