Adopted – The Presidential Prayer Team

To redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. – Galatians 4:5

Have you ever watched a video of a child who was told they were going to be adopted? It is often incredibly touching, full of happy tears by the child, parents, and other family members as they celebrate their new permanent addition to the family. This is also a beautiful picture of what happens when God adopts another child into His family.

The idea of adoption mentioned in this verse most likely referred to the Roman custom of adoption. With this custom, adopted sons were given completely equal privileges within the family. They held equal status as heirs, took the family name as their own, and could not be disowned. They were wanted, cared for, and made a permanent part of the family.

In his letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul reminds the believers that their salvation cannot be earned by their works, but is instead received through faith in Jesus alone. In chapter 4, verse 5, Paul goes so far as to say that not only are those who are saved purchased from slavery under the law but that they are elevated to the status of sons and daughters of God through adoption.

What a beautiful picture of the true love God has for His children! As you spend time in prayer today, let this picture of your adoption into the Lord’s family fill your heart. Let it direct your prayers for your life and for the country. Thank Him for His continued care for His children, and pray that they would be willing and available to further His kingdom on Earth.

Today’s Verse: Galatians 4:5

to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Galatians 4:1-7

4  I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, ²but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. ³In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. ⁴But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ⁶And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ⁷So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.