In the previous chapter we have shown that justification does not only consist in acquittal from guilt and punishment, but also in the bestowal of the right unto eternal life and in God’s child being declared an heir of eternal salvation. To this end Christ was placed under the law, “… made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal 4:4-5). The apostle speaks of this in Rom 8:15-17, where we read, “Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” Thus, justification includes spiritual sonship, and this we shall presently discuss.
Justification Includes Spiritual Sonship
First, many are referred to as children of God, and this from a variety of perspectives.
(1) It is true of Christ according to His divine nature by eternal generation. “… Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee” (Ps 2:7).
(2) It is true of the angels and Adam, and, in him (by reason of creation), for the entire human race. “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7); “… Adam … the son of God” (Luke 3:38); “Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us” (Mal 2:10).
(3) It is true of governments, since God has appointed them to reflect His dominion. “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High” (Ps 82:6).
(4) It is true of believers by reason of adoption (cf. Rom 8:15-17; Gal 4:4-5). “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters” (2 Cor 6:18). It is of them we shall presently speak.
The manner in which believers are children of God is by way of adoption as children. Occasionally this is understood to refer to the glory of the revelation of the children of God after this life. “… waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Rom 8:23). John has this in view in 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him.” The word “now” does not imply a contrast with the Old Testament, for believers were children of God then as well as in the New Testament. Rather, the word “now” is a reference to the future glory of which they will become partakers when Christ will be revealed in the day of judgment. We are here not referring to this adoption, but to adoption as children in this life. This is true as well in the Old Testament. “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption” (Rom 9:4). This adoption was not by reason of an external covenant, for this did not exist. Rather, this was by reason of the covenant of grace which had been made with Abraham and his seed. Many of them, however, were unfaithful to this covenant—just as many in the New Testament are likewise unfaithful, each being personally responsible for this.
This is also true in the New Testament. The Gentiles are now partakers of the adoption of children. “… that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal 4:5). We are the Gentiles, and it is the objective of the apostle to show the advantage which the Gentiles have received due to the coming and declaration of Christ: They who previously were strangers of this, did not know God, and served idols, became partakers of the adoption of children as well as the Jews. The latter, under the loving custody, direction, and guidance of the ceremonies were directed to Him—ceremonies which in the clearest possible way proclaimed the coming Savior (who was only promised at that time) in all His suffering, as well as the efficacy of this suffering. Thus, the Gentiles also became partakers of the adoption of children, as well as they who then believed in the Savior. They were God’s children, addressed Him lovingly with the name of Father, and did not need to stand from afar but had access to the throne of grace. They were not merely satisfied to have Canaan as if that were the earnest and type of heaven, but rejoiced in salvation itself as their inheritance.
Regarding this sonship we shall consider three matters: 1) its excellency, 2) who the partakers of it are, and 3) what their obligations are.
The Excellency of the Origin of Spiritual Sonship
The excellency of the children of God is so great that it exceeds all comprehension. This may be known in some measure by considering 1) their origin and state, 2) the manner in which they became children of God, and 3) the privileges they have.