“He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”  (Eph. 1:5) 

Adoption is irrevocable!

Twice, Susan and I were blessed to be present when our son, John, and his wife, Ingrid, adopted children. John and Ingrid are foster care parents and have children coming and going from their home for many reasons. These two children had become a regular part of their family because they had been with them a long time; they had become dearly loved, and it seemed like they were already permanent. Finally, they officially adopted them and it was a beautiful moment each time. John, Ingrid, and the new family member stood before the judge, and he proclaimed it legal; the child received a brand-new birth certificate, too, with John and Ingrid listed as the parents. By the way, if you have witnessed an adoption in a court of law, you will hear the following question posed to the new parents, “Do you understand that adoption is an irrevocable act, and you cannot take it back?” That’s correct; even though it’s legally possible to disown a natural-born child, it’s absolutely impossible to disown an adopted one. They are forever permanent!

It is exactly the same way with God

Once God has adopted you into His family as his child, it is forever. He adopted you with all your shortcomings, quirks, and flaws even though He knew all about them before He adopted you. And He will continue to love you and help you mature and grow all the days of your life.

Therefore

“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” (Gal. 3:26)

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

“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!” (Rom. 8:15)

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)