(12) Of Adoption

Justification is a glorious doctrine. On the basis of Christ's righteousness God declares that the claims of the law are satisfied for everyone who believes. Justification is a divine pardon for hell-deserving sinners. A verdict of "no condemnation" is truly amazing grace.

But God's kindness is deeper and richer than we could even imagine. He not only forgives our debts, he receives us into his family. Those whom God justifies he also adopts as his dear children. Through adoption God confers upon the justified the grace of adoption and takes them "into the number" and makes them "enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God."