I ought to know the definition by heart since I participate in both definitions. My wife and I adopted Grace, our youngest of five, from China; God adopted me into His family.
One year ago, Grace, initially a stranger, joined her four siblings when she returned with my wife and me from China. She benefited quickly and her future soon outweighed her past.
When our jet from China touched down on U.S. soil, Grace became a U.S. citizen with all the rights and privileges thereof. Grace more importantly secured the full rights and privileges of being a child in the Miller family, as if she had been born into the family like her biological sister and brothers. My wife and I promised never to abandon our children and always to be there. Grace has been placed in a forever family.
As a Miller, Grace plays with her siblings and has begun to create relationships with extended family. She participates in dinner around the supper table, family devotions and simple routines. We expect that Grace will continue to love the outdoors, be home-educated and continue in close relationship to her brothers and sister.
My wife and I treat her no differently than her brothers and sister; we love and disciple her in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Over time, we are convinced that Grace will learn, by God's grace and mercy, what it means to be a "Miller," to love God and love others.
Then, when her mommy and daddy pass from this earth to their Lord, Grace will share in the estate of her parents equally along with her sister and brothers. She is a co-heir.
Many years ago, probably before time began, God chose me for His family. Like Grace, I did nothing to deserve this adoption. Like Grace, I was totally unaware of the great love and sacrifice for me. Unlike the adoption of Grace, my adoption cost the life of Jesus Christ, God's only Son (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8).
Like Grace, I share the same Daddy as many others (some call Him, "Abba"-Romans 8:15). Like Grace, I have many siblings (Hebrews 2:11). What a joy that with my adoption, my Daddy saw fit to provide brothers and sisters so that when we get together, we can celebrate the life we've been given here on earth, freed from our past (sins). What comfort to know He will never leave me or abandon me (Hebrews 13:5). I have been placed in a forever family (Psalm 68:6).
What comfort to experience His Spirit, Who provides truth within (John 14:26) so that I can know my Daddy better and over time know what it means to be a "Christian" or follower of Christ. What joy that my Daddy sees fit to discipline me so that I become more like Him (Hebrews 12:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18) and promises that when I see Christ, I will be like him (1 John 3:2). What joy to anticipate the life to come with my big brother, Christ, with whom God has made me a co-heir in his kingdom of heaven (Romans 8:17) and invited me to share in His great feast at the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God." - 1 John 3:1
--CM
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