Adopted by God

I Peter 2:9-16

Several years ago, an kids were making fun of one of my cousins because he had been adopted into the family. My cousin told them that their parents just got stuck with them, while his parents chose him in particular. As Christians, we have been specially chosen to be adopted into God’s family. As such , we become heirs of God and joint heirs with the only natural born son of God, Jesus Christ.

The nation of Israel was based on the descendents of Abraham and Sarah, Today, they number millions. Most nations started from a similar family group, later taking other groups under their control to increase their base. Israel has largely preserved their family ties, resting in Abraham’s claim to the land of Israel.

Christians have the same family ties, because they have been adopted by God. Like my adopted cousin, before the adoption their was no connection to other members of the family, but the adoption connected us together. As adopted children, we have the same privileges as the natural born children, of which Christ is the only one. Since we have been adopted into the family of God, we are recognized as royalty.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (Peter 2:9-10)

Before believing in Christ and being adopted, we had little in common with each other, and were doomed to an eternity in hell. When we received Christ, he mad propitiation for our sins, and we are no longer subject to the penalties for them. We are now united by that forgiveness. As such we are free to act as priests before God, without sin to prevent our doing so. We were chosen because of our faith, and as members of the ruling family, are royal priests, with special privileges. We are a special group, God’s family, and form a great nation.

Some of those who have been adopted were taken from families where there was abuse, drug use, and other serious behavior. Sometimes, the adopted child is attracted to what they experienced, before when they are old enough to decide for themselves, not realizing why they had to be adopted out, or that it is not normal behavior. Peter warns that the Christians who have been freed should not make the same mistake.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” ( I peter 1:11-12)

Alcohol, abuse or drugs caused many parents to have their children taken away and adopted, and if the child goes back into the same life style, he or she may have their children taken away as well. On the other hand, the adopted child who learns to live in a more responsible manner will be respected as a child of the adopted parents, and his past ignored.

A Christian can make the same choices, learning to do what is right and pleasing to God, and earning the respect of those around him, whether Christian or not. If he chooses to revert back to his old ways, he risks destroying his own life and losing any respect he could have earned. Even if surrounded by those who hate God, when judgment comes, they will be forced to acknowledge the righteousness of those who have done right. One area that is of particular importance is that of our attitude toward Law.

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” (I Peter 2:13-16)

A child’s behavior reflects on his parent’s attitudes and behavior at home. The parents set examples and practices before him that he tends to follow. A child who respects his parents does not deliberately cause them distress. Christians who respect and love God will not deliberately do things that reflect badly on him. God has set standards of behavior, and authorized enforcement of his standards. Ignoring his standards implies a lack of concern for God, making us no different than any other criminal.

Romans 13:1-7 goes into this in detail. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

Though we may not like certain laws, or paying taxes, we are to obey them as being authorized by God. The only time we should disobey is when the laws forbid our obeying what God has clearly commanded. Our conscience, or our own opinion is not a valid standard.