Abba, Father: The Gift of Intimacy

God the Father: Knowing the First Person of the Trinity

More Than Just Forgiveness

Justification declares you righteous. Adoption declares you beloved.

The Gospel is not merely a legal pardon—it is a relational welcome. God is not content to forgive from a distance; He brings us home. Into His house. Into His family. Into His heart.

“To all who did receive Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Adoption Begins with the Father

The doctrine of adoption is rooted in the eternal love of the Father.

Ephesians 1:5:

“In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ…”

This was not a rescue plan invented after the fall. From before the foundation of the world, the Father willed to have a family—not out of need, but out of love.

He did not adopt us because we were lovable. He loved us in Christ, and chose to make us His.

The Son Secures Our Adoption

Adoption is not free. It is costly. And the Son paid the price.

Galatians 4:4–5:

“God sent forth His Son… to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

Redemption makes adoption possible. By bearing our sin and fulfilling the law, Jesus made a way for the Father to adopt us justly.

The Son, eternally beloved, brought rebels into His place—so that we might be sons in Him.

The Spirit Confirms Our Adoption

The Spirit does not merely convict or guide—He testifies that we are God’s children.

Romans 8:15–16:

“You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself bears witness… that we are children of God.”

This cry—“Abba!”—is not formal or distant. It’s the intimate word of dependence, trust, and affection.

The Spirit assures our hearts: You belong. You’re home. He is your Father.

Adoption Is Trinitarian

• The Father predestines.

• The Son redeems.

• The Spirit assures.

All three Persons of the Trinity are involved in bringing us from spiritual orphans to beloved children. This is not a sidebar to the Gospel—it’s the very heartbeat of it.

The Privileges of Adoption

Adoption isn’t just a new title—it brings a new life.

1. New Identity

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and so we are!” (1 John 3:1)

You are not your past. You are not your failures. You are a child of God.

2. New Access

You don’t approach God as a beggar—you come as a child. The throne of judgment is now a throne of grace (Heb. 4:16).

3. New Inheritance

“And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…” (Rom. 8:17)

Everything Christ receives as Son—you share in by grace.

Adoption Is Secure

Earthly adoption can fail. But divine adoption cannot. The Father never un-adopts His children.

Romans 8:38–39 assures us that nothing—not death, life, angels, demons, or even ourselves—can separate us from the Father’s love in Christ.

Once a child, always a child. The Spirit seals the deal.

Adoption Shapes How We Live

If you are adopted, you are no longer a slave to fear (Rom. 8:15). You are free to walk in obedience—not to earn love, but because you have it.

You also have a new family. Adoption brings you into the church—not a building, but a household of faith (Eph. 2:19). You’re not an only child—you’re part of a people.

Conclusion: Come Home

The Gospel is the Father saying: “Come home.”

Not because you're worthy. But because Jesus made the way. The Father has room at His table. He has placed a robe on your back, a ring on your hand, and joy in His heart.

“He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons…”

This is not a metaphor. It’s your identity.

You are not just forgiven—you are family.