Good morning -

In my Systematic Theology class, we have been discussing the biblical doctrines of "justification" and "adoption," and I wanted to pass along several items from this morning's discussion that were encouraging in light of our current memory verse:

“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

As Tim explained Sunday, we stand condemned under God's holiness and law - but in Christ we are declared righteous on His account. Though we were criminals before God, Christ bore the death penalty that was ours - as 1 Peter 3:18 says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God."

While forgiveness and pardon are definitely good news, the incredible news is that it involves far more than that. This holy and infinite judge could have acquitted us and then had nothing more to do with us, but He did not. He instead looked favorably upon us, adopted us into his family, and now lavishes the blessings and privileges of sonship upon us.

In light of our memory verses this week, Galatians 4:4-5, reflect on the following passages and rejoice in your salvation and in the love of our Gracious "Abba" Father!

Romans 5:8-10 - But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

John 1:12 - But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

Ephesians 1:2-14 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as 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, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,... In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

1 John 3:1 - See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

By His infinite grace!
Mark