“Cry … ‘Abba, Father'”

Learning to Live in the Spirit of Adoption
“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.'”
Romans 8:15
This study of spiritual adoption will hold many surprises for us. Not only is God the Father treated slightly in most works on theology, but the concept of sonship by spiritual adoption is scarcely understood.
Because of the biblical meaning of the term “adoption,” our study is forced to take a practical approach to the relationship of the believer to the heavenly Father. This approach is demanded by each of the passages in which the phrase “Abba, Father” is found.

Living in the Spirit of Adoption – VA 2015

Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003

Ephesians #4

Ephesians #4

Because our connection with God is "in Christ", the Father blessed us (Eph 1:3), chose us (Eph 1:4), adopted us (Eph 1:5), and accepted us (Eph 1:6). Parallels are found in 1Pe 1:1-5 and 1Pet 1:17-2. Eph 1:4-6 expands on our blessings as believers. He chose His son to go to the cross; he chose us "in Him" as well (Eph 1:4). The purpose of that choice is that we are holy and blameless before Him. We are "holy" in that we are set apart to His purpose, also whole and complete (Col 2:9-10). Eph 1:5 has one of 5 references to "predestined"; it is never used for salvation or condemnation. We are predestined for adoption as children by Jesus Christ to Himself. "Children" is Greek word for adult son ready for inheritence and priviledge. These things are ours now "...according to the good pleasure of His will"! Eph 1:6 says we should be praising Him for these things. We are "accepted in the Beloved {Jesus Christ}". 1Ti 2:1-6 says God desires all men to be saved; He gave Himself a ransom for all. Election is first in the list of our blessings (Eph 1:3); spiritual blessing originates from Spirit of God for spiritual men (new creatures). As believers we have been born into the spiritual realm -- the "heavenlies". Our blessings nor salvation are not limited to time. Election involves God's Sovereignty and our free will (Joh 6:37). God calls and man responds.

Scripture References: Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:3, Colossians 2:9-10, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 1:4-6, John 6:37, Ephesians 1:6

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From Series: "Ephesians"

More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.

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