Of Adoption

Chapter 12 confesses that all those who are justified, God vouchsafes — in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ — to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they are taken into the number and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God.

Justification declares a sinner righteous; adoption brings him into the family. The Reformed Baptist tradition holds that adoption is a distinct grace, not a synonym for justification. By it we have his name put upon us, receive the Spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, and are heirs of all the promises.

Adoption is the warmest, most familial doctrine in the confession. To be a Christian is to be a son or daughter of the living God — not by nature, but by gracious adoption.

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For the full text of this chapter with scripture proofs, see the1689confession.com or Founders Ministries.