Adoption is a beautiful concept that is threaded throughout Scripture. The Bible has a lot to say about caring for orphans and adopting children into loving families. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical themes related to adoption:
1. God’s care and redemption of spiritual orphans
The Bible frequently refers to unbelievers as spiritual “orphans” who are adopted into God’s family when they place their faith in Christ. Several key verses highlight this theme:
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'” (Romans 8:14-15)
“In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)
These verses indicate that when we trust in Christ, God adopts us as His children. He redeems us from being spiritual orphans and grants us the full rights and privileges of children of God.
2. God’s fatherly compassion and care for the fatherless
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to care for orphans and foreigners who were vulnerable in society. He specifically pledged to be a father to the fatherless. For example:
“You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.” (Exodus 22:22)
“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:18)
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5)
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” (Psalm 68:5 NIV)
These verses demonstrate God’s heart of compassion for orphans. He cares deeply about their plight and commands His people to do the same.
3. Human adoption reflects God’s love
Human adoption mirrors God’s love and care for us. When people adopt children, they display the Father’s heart for the vulnerable. The Bible speaks positively about the act of adoption:
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)
“Adoption to sonship is a central redemptive blessing of the new covenant (Rom 8:23; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5).” (ESV Study Bible on Romans 8:15)
Adoption in the Bible is seen as a noble, sacrificial act that images God’s redemptive love. Christians are called to care for orphans not only through adoption but also by supporting orphanages, foster care, and ministry to vulnerable children.
4. Adoption illustrates belonging in God’s family
Several New Testament passages use adoption as a metaphor for believers’ relationship with God. These verses compare adoption to being grafted into God’s household:
“In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” (Galatians 3:26)
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'” (Romans 8:15)
“He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:5)
These passages indicate that adoption grants believers full inclusion into God’s family. Through faith in Christ, we are lovingly grafted in as God’s cherished children.
5. Adoption and inheritance in God’s kingdom
Several verses use adoption as a legal metaphor. When God adopts us, we become co-heirs with Christ and inherit all the riches of the kingdom:
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17)
“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. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:4-7)
Adoption grants believers legal inheritance in God’s kingdom. We become co-heirs with Jesus Christ Himself.
6. Adoption and identity in Christ
Adoption gives believers a new identity and position before God. We are redeemed from sin and given the high privilege of belonging to God’s family:
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” (Galatians 3:26)
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” (Romans 8:14-15 NIV)
Adoption transforms who we are. In Christ, we become dearly loved children of the Most High God.
7. Adoption requires sacrifice and commitment
Although adoption is a blessing, the Bible does not romanticize it. Adoption requires self-sacrifice, pouring time and attention into a child for their wellbeing. It is a lifelong commitment:
“Adoption was a costly act of sacrificial love and acceptance in the Greco-Roman world, just as in modern societies.” (ESV Study Bible on Romans 8:15)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Like all aspects of God’s kingdom, adoption requires sacrifice and courage. Families should count the cost and rely on God’s help in raising an adopted child in His love.
8. Adoption in the story of Moses
One key example of adoption in the Old Testament is Moses. After being left in a basket as a baby, Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as her son:
“When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, ‘Because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.'” (Exodus 2:10)
God providentially used adoption to preserve Moses’ life so he could eventually lead the Israelites out of captivity. This account displays God’s sovereignty over the life of His people.
9. Encouragement for adoptive and foster families
For Christian parents who have adopted or fostered children, your family displays the gospel. Although it is challenging at times, you have answered the call to care for the vulnerable. Do not grow weary in your labor of love:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Look to God for strength and wisdom in parenting. He will equip you every step of the way as you raise your adopted or foster child in the nurture of the Lord.
10. Longing for our ultimate adoption
While adoption on earth is wonderful, Scripture says our earthly adoption merely foreshadows an even greater adoption to come. We anxiously await the day when we will see our Savior face to face in glory:
“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23)
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
Our adoption in Christ ushers us into God’s family with all the associated blessings. But we still long for the day when we will dwell with our Savior forever in the new heavens and new earth. Maranatha!
In summary, the theme of adoption runs throughout Scripture. God powerfully redeems orphans and invites them into His forever family. Adoption displays God’s compassionate heart for the vulnerable. When Christians adopt children, they mirror the Father’s gracious love. And adoption gives believers a new identity, position, and inheritance in God’s kingdom. Although it requires sacrifice, adopting and fostering children is a noble calling. For Christians who have done so, be encouraged that God equips families for this vital work. The Bible’s beautiful theology of adoption ultimately points ahead to our future glorification when we will see Christ face to face.