Ephesians 1:5 says that the Father has chosen to adopt us. This is a great promise and encouragement. We are able to rejoice in the knowledge that we are truly His children. In adopting us, He bestows His honor upon us.

In the Roman world, honor was a prized virtue. Not only was honor earned by one’s actions, but honor could be ascribed as a result of relationships. As the leader of the family, the father was concerned about the honor of the family name, as well as its members. The members could bring honor on the family by their noble actions, but they could also bring dishonor upon the family name by shameful actions.

However, the father was in the position of ascribing honor to his children by his status. That means that people would associate the positive character qualities of the father with the children. Even when the children were disrespectful (as was the case of the prodigal son in Luke 15), the father could still restore the children who had demonstrated dishonor.

Our Heavenly Father chose us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3). In doing so, He adopted us as His children. This means, in part, that He gave His honor willingly to those whom He chose for His family. The very name that we are called (Christians = “little Christs”) reflects the new family of which we are now part. In addition to adopting us, He redeemed us through Jesus Christ’s death so that our sins could be completely forgiven. Now He sees us completely covered by the blood of Jesus.

Because of our adoption, we have received spiritual treasures from the Heavenly Father. Besides forgiveness, He has also guaranteed us an intimate personal relationship with Him. He has promised to guide us if we will listen to Him. He promises to answer our prayers. He has also granted us an inheritance in the future with Him in heaven. And He dwells within us by means of His Holy Spirit.

As we think about these gifts reflecting the honor that He has given us, we also see how we can give honor to our adopted children. We can love them the way that the Heavenly Father loves us. We can forgive them when they disobey us. We can offer them the permanence of relationship that is the same that the Heavenly Father gives us. We can also give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

What about God’s adoption of you makes your revel in knowing Him? How can you show this to your adopted child(ren)? Please comment in the comment box below.