Soteriology Research Paper: Adoption

Soteriology Research Paper: Adoption The study of soteriology recognizes that a new believer takes on a new position in Christ when he is saved. He is given the benefits of a son or heir as effect of divine grace that is bestowed upon him, by faith and through Christ’s death on the cross with the ultimate intention of bringing glory to God. Understanding the terms of adoption, in the light of Scripture, can amplify an appreciation of personal salvation and the inheritances that it brings. The word “adoption” in the New Testament is taken from the Greek word, “huiothesia” which means “placing as a son.” According to Roland McCune it soteriologically means “to place as an adult son.” The Old Testament does not have a clear depiction of this

Hebrews 12:5-6 quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 in describing this responsibility and act of love that the Lord imparts. This passage specifies that the children God receives as His own are disciplined. Those who are without discipline could be cast off for they are not like sons of God. Children grow in obedience and righteousness when they are chastised, which draws them to holiness.

Additional benefits received is the love and compassion of a father, from the heavenly Father as stated in 1 John 3:1, “Behold what manner of love the Father hat bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” He provides everyday needs (Matthew 6:32) and bestows the privilege in heaven of being a part of His kingdom (Revelation 2:26-27. 3:21) (Grudem

This is referred to several times in the New Testament: Romans 1:13, 1 Corinthians 1:10, James 1:2, Matthew 12:50, 1 Corinthians 7 and Philemon 1:2. When the term brother is used here, it does not solely refer to the fellow, men believers, but to the women as well. This brings a perspective that as members of a church, believers are a family and should strive to encourage and exhort one another. When one is adopted, they should be treated just as the other members as well. Along with this concept, is the idea portrayed in Ephesians 5:1 that believers are to be imitators of God, because they are His children. This calls for the action of honoring the heavenly Father as well. I John 3:10 states, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth his brother.” Obedience and love to other adopted sons of God is key to showing honor to the Father (Grudem