ADOPTED BY GOD, HIMSELF. Pts. 1-4

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”  Romans 8:15-17

In this passage Paul uses one of the great metaphors of scripture, as he describes the new relationship of the believer to God, as the result of Christ’ atoning death on the cross. He alludes to the Christian as having been adopted into the family of God. 

Roman adoption was rendered more serious and more complicated by the Roman Patria Potestas.  The Patria Potestas represented the father’s power over his family; which was absolute. It was the power of absolute control and disposal. It was the power of life and death. As relates to a Roman father, a Roman son never reached the age of independence.  No matter how old, he still fell under the Patria Potestas, absolutely possessed, and absolutely controlled by his father.  Adoption into another family was a very serious matter, and not to be taken lightly.

In the process of adoption, an orphan or child who was being given up was required to pass from one Patria Potestas to another.  He left the possession and control of one father and passed into the equally absolute control and possession of a different father.  Two steps were involved.  The first was known as Mancipatio. It was enacted by a ceremonial sale, and involved scales which were used in a symbolic manner. Three times the symbolism of a sale is carried out.  Twice the natural father symbolically sells his son, and twice he buys him back. The third time he does not buy him back, and as a result the Patria Potestas is broken.   

After the sale, the ceremony continues with a process referred to as Vindication.   The adopting father approaches the Praetor, one of the Roman magistrates, and presents a legal case for the transference of the person being adopted into his Patria Potestas. When the foregoing was completed the adoption is completed.  Clearly, a serious and impressive step.   

Pt. 2

It is the consequences of adoption which are most relevant in terms of the picture in Paul’s mind.  There are four main consequences.

(1) The adopted person loses all prior rights to and within his old family, and gains all the rights of a legitimate son in the context of his new family.  In the most legally binding way, he receives a new father.

(2) It follows that he has become heir to his adoptive father’s estate.  Even if other biological sons are subsequently born, it does not affect the adoptive son’s rights. He is their equal and co-heir. 

(3) The old life of the adopted child is completely wiped out.  All debts are cancelled. They are wiped out as though they had never existed.  The adopted child is regarded as a new individual entering into a new life; with which the past does not apply.

(4) In the eyes of the law the adopted child is literally and absolutely the son of the adoptive father. 

Roman history provides us an outstanding case of how literally and completely the foregoing is irrevocable and true. 

The Emperor Claudius adopted Nero, so that Nero might have the right of succession.  They were not blood relations, but the adoption caused their status to be just as binding.  Claudius already had a daughter named Octavia.  As it fell together, Nero wished to marry Octavia.  While Nero and Octavia were not connected by blood, yet in the eyes of the law they had become brother and sister. Before they were allowed to marry the Roman Senate had to pass special legislation to provide Nero the wherewithal to marry a girl who was legally his own sister. Nothing indicates any better how complete the Roman adoption process was regarded.

Pt. 3

But to return to Paul’s allusion. 

The apostle continues to characterize Roman adoption. He makes us aware that God’s Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are the adopted children of God.  The Roman adoption ceremony was conducted in the presence of seven witnesses.  Should the adoptive father die, and a dispute arose about the right of the adoptive son to inherit his estate, one or more of the original seven witnesses were required to step forward and to swear that the adoption was legal and true.  Thus, the right of the adopted child was guaranteed and the inheritance derives to him. As a result, Paul assures us that, it is the Holy Spirit, Himself who becomes the witness to our adoption into the family of Abba, Father.

One has only to read the foregoing scripture to understand that every step of the Roman adoption process was meaningful in Paul’s mind, as he compares the picture of Roman adoption with our adoption into the family of God.  At one time we were dominated by sin. Satan was in absolute control of our human nature, and he is portrayed in the role of a father to us, but God, in His mercy, has taken possession. 

Satan and the old life which flowed out of that relationship with him no longer exercise rights or control over us. We begin a new life; a life in which God, Himself is characterized as our Father.  We become heirs of the riches of God.  We become joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, God’s own Son.  Whatever Christ has inherited, we also inherit with Him.  Since our Savior (and brother) suffered we shall also inherit that suffering. If Christ has been raised to life and glory, we will also inherit life and glory. 

Pt. 4

“If you declare with your mouth, the Lord Jesus Christ, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:9-10

Paul’s allusion provides us assurance that when an unbeliever bends the knee, confesses His sin, and asks Christ to dwell in their hearts, he is  ushered into a brand new relationship, gains a new Father, and inherits legal rights to all that is His; the spiritual equivalent of the Mancipatio stage of the adoption ceremony.

“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood; thus obtaining eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:12

The second stage of the Roman adoption ceremony, previously referred to as Vindication, finds its spiritual equivalent in Christ’ atoning death, and His having presented His blood to His Father; as proof that the penalty has been paid, the proverbial curtain between God and man has been ripped in twain, the way has been opened into the Holy of Holies, and that we may approach the throne of grace with absolute confidence.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. All things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” 2^nd Corinthians 5:17

All debts have been canceled. Unearned love and glory are our inheritance. We are the adopted sons of God, and have become joint heirs with our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Resource - "Pilgrim Tours")

by William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "McDonald's Daily Diary." Vol. 77. Copyright pending.

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