Adoption.
I. In a certain sense, all men are children of God (Ma Ephesians 2:10); i.e. God has a fatherly interest in them and yearning towards them. But sinners have forfeited the rights and position of sons; they are like the prodigal son, "not worthy to be called thy son." Thus they have no claim on God. Nay, they are "children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3).
II. Sonship in God's family is for sinners only the fruit of adoption. Adoption is solely by grace, through Jesus Christ. It is the result of Divine predestination. It belongs only to "as many as receive him" (John 1:12). It is the fruit of spiritual oneness with Christ. When we are by faith united to the eternal Son of God, we become, in a lower sense, sons of God ourselves.
III. Sonship has many privileges; parallel between nature and grace. Sons have a right to a due provision, to protection and shelter, to education and training; they share their father's house; they get the benefit of his experience, wisdom, counsel; they enjoy his fellowship, and are molded by his example and influence.
IV. Sonship has many duties: obedience, honor, trust; gratitude, complacency, affection; co-operation with the father in his designs and aims.
V. In Christ, sonship is indissoluble and everlasting.