Download Christ and Adoption
God only has one “natural” child. He adopted all the rest.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
We were neither conceived nor born as God’s children. We were “illegitimate” children conceived and born in sin. We were children of slavery, “held captive under the law” (3:23) and “enslaved to the elemental principles of the world” (4:3). We were doomed to die as such children.
But God made an adoption plan for us. Even before time began, this loving plan of adoption was in place. “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:4-5). Then when everything was just right, when “the fullness of time had come,” the plan unfolded.
It was a loving plan. “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9). Out of love, God wanted what was best for us; so He sent the best for us, His only Son.
It was a sacrificial plan. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus humbled Himself to be born under the law and to be “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
It was an expensive plan. “You were bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). Blood was required. Suffering and forsakenness also went into the purchase price of redeeming those “who were under the law.”
It was a glorious plan. “So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God” (Galatians 4:7). Adopted sons are no different than sons. They have an inheritance coming, eternal life with the Father. That’s why “sons” is used here and not “children.” In those days sons received the inheritance. Paul makes the point that those who God adopts—men, women, boys and girls—all have the full right of sons, all have eternity waiting.
Christians and Adoption
Adoption is not always seen in a good light. Pregnant teens who are nervously but seriously considering abortion become very adamant when adoption is mentioned. “Oh, I could never give my baby up for adoption!” Even well-meaning Christians may contribute to the problem. “What mother would give away her baby?” The perception is that adoption is abandonment, a bad choice that is not very loving.
There is a need to shed some good light on adoption. Perhaps looking at it in the light of our adoption in Christ will help.
Making a Plan
Making a plan for placing a child in the loving arms of adoptive parents is not easy, but it is far from abandonment. Often times it is best for all involved. These days, a variety of plans can be made. Adoptions can be as open or as closed as the mother may desire. Even before the child is born, plans can be made for baptism, selecting Christian parents, and setting up the degree of openness desired. Making an adoption plan is not “giving a baby up.” It’s giving a baby the best future possible for him or her.
A Loving Plan
True love, as demonstrated by God in Christ, considers what is best for another before considering what is best for self. Making an adoption plan for a baby is an act of great love. Certainly parenting may be a loving option, especially if there is maturity and levels of support. But love asks what is best for the baby. Often the loving choice of an adoption plan ends up being best for all involved.
A Sacrificial Plan
Lovingly putting others first led Jesus to the great and ultimate sacrifice. Making an adoption plan is difficult emotionally. It requires sacrifice. Other plans may have to be put on hold for awhile as plans are made for a new life and a new future. But just as the sacrifice of Christ ultimately resulted in much good, so the sacrifice of adoption can result in much good. A life is saved, new life is given, a family is found for a child, and the birth mother can know, that in serving her child and sacrificing for what is best for that child, she is serving Christ. She can move forward in hope and joy.
An Expensive Plan
Practically speaking, adoption can be very expensive these days. Parents wanting to adopt sometimes find such expenses prohibitive. This is where the body of Christ can help. Instead of just promoting adoption as a loving and life-giving option, congregations can make efforts to help fund couples seeking to adopt. They can support agencies that assist in the adoption planning and process. We were worth it to God! Helping birth moms make an adoption plan and helping couples adopt is worth it as well!
A Glorious Plan
The desired outcome of God’s adoption plan for us is heaven. That is the ultimate concern for the Christian as well. When a child is conceived, whatever the circumstances, a Christian’s first concern is for that child’s salvation. Subsequent decisions and plans need always to bear this in mind. Again, an adoption plan gives opportunity to place a child in an environment that will nurture and uphold that child’s eternal welfare.
There are many perspectives from which to view adoption. Perhaps we Christians will find needed strength and encouragement and hope when we view it through our adoption by God in Christ. Apart from Christ, all His children are adopted. He must know something about it!