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Bible Dictionaries
Adoption
Morrish Bible Dictionary
or The word is υἱοθεσία,the adoption of sons, or the placing of persons in the position of sons, with all the privileges attaching thereto. Examples of this in a natural way are seen in the O.T. in Moses being an adopted son of the daughter of Pharaoh, Exodus 2:10 , and Esther being adopted by her cousin Mordecai, Esther 2:7 . In a higher sense Israel was the adopted son of God. Moses was instructed to say to Pharaoh, "Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, even my firstborn." Exodus 4:22 : cf. also Deuteronomy 14:1; Isaiah 43:6 . So that Paul, when enumerating the privileges of Israel, could say that to them pertained the 'adoption.' Romans 9:4 . In a much higher sense, since redemption has been wrought, those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are in the new creation sons by adoption, and the Spirit of God's Son is given them so that they can call God Abba Father, and not only be sons but know and enjoy the relationship with all its blessed privileges. Galatians 4:5,6 . The Christian receives the spirit of adoption, the Holy Ghost bearing witness with his spirit that he is a child of God. Not that he enters into the full blessedness of being God's son until the future; for we who have the first-fruits of the Spirit groan within ourselves waiting for the adoption — the redemption of our body. Romans 8:15-23 . All this is certain as to believers, for having been chosen in Christ Jesus they have been predestinated unto adoption by Jesus Christ to Himself according to the good pleasure of His will. Ephesians 1:4,5 .
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Morrish, George. Entry for 'Adoption'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/mbd/a/adoption.html. 1897.
