Focal Passage: Galatians 3:23-29, 4:1-7
When my friends adopted their baby girl from Korea, she became theirs. As soon as she was in their arms, they began to care for her and console her. Not only did they assume immediate responsibility as her parents, but she was immediately dependent on them. She became their child in every way. She bears their name and receives all the privileges, rights and inheritance that come with being their daughter. This is the nature of adoption.
In his letter to the Galatian churches, Paul explains the purpose of the law. He tells them that the law was never meant to fix our severed relationship with God. The law, however, was meant to reveal sin and our need for grace until the coming of Jesus.
By trying to be justified by the works of the law, the Galatian believers failed to realize their position in Christ. In fact, they were trying to acquire for themselves the position that had already been given to them.
When we come to Jesus in faith, we become God’s children. He gives us all the rights and privileges of an heir. We have all the access to God that Jesus has. Where the law ensured that we knew our sinfulness, faith in Christ produces in us the desire to be obedient children. Paul explains that neither ethnicity nor gender or social status prevent us from being children or from receiving the benefits of an heir. God sent Jesus so all would have the opportunity to be adopted into His family.
My friends’ daughter is in the fourth grade now. The way she boldly enters a room calling for ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ is a picture of what God has done for us in Christ. We are now His children, calling out ‘Abba, Father!’
When we approach the throne of God, we do so knowing that we have been adopted. Because we are His offspring, we have confidence before Him and the ability to obey Him.