3.8. Adoption by God                           

 

1. In whom has God favored (accepted) us?
Ephesians 1:3-6
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.

 

2. What great gift becomes our portion with our adoption of Christ?
John 6:40 And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 17:2 As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him.

 

3. What is the first and clear sign of our adoption by God?
1 John 5:9-11
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son.
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

 

4. Why did John write his testimony concerning God's love and purpose, displayed in the gift of Christ?
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.

 

5. What testimony does the true believer have in Christ, that he has been accepted by God?
1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.

 

6. How only do we become children of God?
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

 

7. What is the foundation of the faith?
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

8. What assurance does the believer have of his covenant with God?
1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.

 

9. Which three specific witnesses are mentioned by John, who assure adoption by God?
1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

 

10. How does the Spirit testify concerning our adoption by God?
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 

11. What does Christian baptism testify to?
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

 

12. What does the blood of Christ testify to?
1 John 1:4-7
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

 

13. When can we find acceptance with God through Christ?
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 

14. To whom, therefore, must we give glory and honor?
Revelation 1:5-6
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful witness, and the First begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

15. What further serves as testimony that we have been accepted by God?
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

 

16. What glorious assurance is given to all believers in Christ?
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.