Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! Today we are continuing our study of understanding our identity in Christ. In previous podcasts we’ve talked about the believer’s position in Christ, and the doctrines of justification, sanctification, glorification, and regeneration. And on today’s podcast we’re going to talk about the doctrine of adoption.

[01:34] The Meaning of Adoption   

• The graceful and merciful right bestowed upon sinners through which a person is given admission into God’s family
• How regeneration, adoption and justification are tied together 

[07:58] Adoption In the Bible    

• Redemptive adoption in the NT 
• The concept of the word adoption is more Greco-Roman than it is Hebrew
• See Scripture listed below 

[11:24] The Role of the Trinity In Adoption

• The Father is the divine lover who predestined us for adoption
• The Son is our redeemer who saved us from death 
• The Holy Spirit enables us to cry out to God as Father and assures us within that we are God’s children

[13:03] So What? 

• God uses the biblical teaching on sonship to minister to us and through us to others. 
• How we can share the gospel with someone using the doctrine of adoption

[16:43] Closing Segment         

• Resources to take a deeper dive into this doctrine (links below) 
• Final words and announcements from Pastor Jeff and Jen 

Tweetable Quotes:

“When we come to Christ, as part of our salvation, we become a part of God’s family; Sons and daughters.” - Jen Denton 

“The Godhead, the Trinity, loves us dearly and planned our adoption, accomplished the work of redemption necessary to adopt us, and applied adoption to us as God’s sons and daughters.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses Mentioned: 

• Titus 3:7
• Romans 8:14-17, 23, 29
• Galatians 3:25-4:7
• John 1:12
• 1 John 3:1
• Romans 8:15, 23
• Galatians 4:5
• Ephesians 1:5
• Romans 8:15-16
• 1 John 4:16

Resources Mentioned/ Footnotes:

• Knowing God by J.I. Packer
• Trevor Burke’s Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor
• Children of the Living God: Sinclair B. Ferguson
• Adopted by God: From Wayward Sinners to Cherished Children Book by Robert A. Peterson

Join the Conversation

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today’s episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. 

Check-in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston.

Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!