Adopted, Heir, Justified, and Regenerated

Dr. Couch, what is the relationship between being adopted, made an heir, and being justified or regenerated? ANSWER:  Good question. The issue of becoming an heir is found in many passages of Scripture. The word is two words put together = "Legally called, or, designated." "klaro=called, nomos=law, legally." "To be legally designated."    Paul writes "If our inheritance be of the law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise" (Gal. 3:18). The inheritance has to do with salvation, and redemption. Paul adds, 'God gave us a pledge of our "inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory" (Eph. 1:14). And, "from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance ..." (Col. 3:24).' The inheritance is eternal (Heb. 9:15) and it is incorruptible (1 Pet. 1:4).    The word "adoption" ties into the idea of an inheritance. The word is used only five times in the NT. The word is a combination of two words, Son + placement. Or, "to be designated or placed as a son" (whyo [son] + thesia [placement]). "To have all the rights and privileges as a son."    An adopted child has all the rights and privileges as a son. In ancient days, even as today, there were a lot of illegitimate children, or slave children, but they could be adopted and given all the rights and blessings of a child naturally born into the family. So with us, we are adopted into the family of God and given all the privileges of a natural born child.    Paul says we have received "the Spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'" (Rom. 8:15). Or, "Daddy Father!" The apostle then ties it all together in the two verses that follow: The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him" (vv. 16-17).    This adoption then makes us "children by Jesus Christ to Himself" (Eph. 1:5). "Legal adoption, heirship, justification and regeneration" all tie together in the verses we've looked at. What a blessing given to us by the process of salvation that comes to us through the Lord Jesus!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (6-10)