Adoption: I know of no calling more in line with the content of the gospel of Jesus Christ or more consistent with the implications of that gospel. This is why we developed our own ministry – Our Covenant’s Call – and why we encourage our members to be involved with existing organizations such as Bethany Christian Services and the Hope Clinic for Women. Three quick observations:
1. Our God is an adopting Father.
“…You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…” (Romans 8:15-16). Being adopted children ourselves, we share with others our bounty of grace received. J. I Packer, in Knowing God, states with startling orthodoxy: “…God receives us as sons, and loves us with the same steadfast affection with which He eternally loves His beloved only begotten.
There are no distinctions of affection in the divine family. We are all loved just as fully as Jesus is loved.”
When a child is received through adoption, we see a picture of the Father’s love for His children.
2. Our Savior laid his life down so that we live.
Do you want to see someone take up her cross and follow Jesus? I know of no greater opportunity a person may have to lay down her life so that another may live than that of the adoption birth mother. She follows her Savior as she places her child in a Christ-centered family. The mother carries her child, experiences all that those months of motherhood bring, and then, with more love for the child than for herself, places that baby in the arms of a loving family.
“Greater love has no one than this….” John 15:13
When a child is received through adoption we see a picture of the Savior’s love for His church.
3. The Spirit of God is gathering His people.
Our Creator and Redeemer works most obviously and consistently through families as he calls His family into existence and into fullness.
“Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up,
and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:5-7
When a child is received by adoption into a Christian family, thus into the church, we witness firsthand the work of the Spirit fulfilling the promise of the kingdom.
“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:39 ESV
