Is there any way to...
Illustration
Is there any way to prove that we are God's children?
In this passage of Romans, Paul brings to mind the elaborate, safe, and secure method of adoption used by Rome. Adoption was very detailed and difficult. When a son was adopted, he had to pass out of the possession and control of one man, and the other became the owner. Three times the symbolism of sale, constituting the adoption was carried out. The first two times, the father would buy him back, then the third time he became the property of the adopting father. The adopted person then gained all the rights of a naturally born son. Even if other sons were born later, they did not gain a higher title or place. The old life of the adopted person was completely removed. The one adopted truly became a new person.
The adoption was carried out in the presence of seven witnesses. Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the witness, the only witness needed, when we are adopted into the family of God.
In this passage of Romans, Paul brings to mind the elaborate, safe, and secure method of adoption used by Rome. Adoption was very detailed and difficult. When a son was adopted, he had to pass out of the possession and control of one man, and the other became the owner. Three times the symbolism of sale, constituting the adoption was carried out. The first two times, the father would buy him back, then the third time he became the property of the adopting father. The adopted person then gained all the rights of a naturally born son. Even if other sons were born later, they did not gain a higher title or place. The old life of the adopted person was completely removed. The one adopted truly became a new person.
The adoption was carried out in the presence of seven witnesses. Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the witness, the only witness needed, when we are adopted into the family of God.
