Big Mike grew up in a very troubled home. A child of drug addicts, Mike quickly ended up in foster care. However, with every new family, he was placed with, Mike ran away, usually ending up on the couch of some friend. As Mike got into Jr High, both his parents died. Over time a family took notice of Mike, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy. Over time they began to take care of Mike until, finally, one night over dinner, they asked him an important question. Would he like to become a part of their family? They wanted to adopt him. They wanted to make him their son.

Similarly, 1 John 3 reminds us that we have also been adopted. However, the family into which we have been adopted is far greater. For, we have been made children of God. Verses one and two inform us that we are privileged to be God’s children. This fact should stir a sense of awe, wonder, and excitement within the believer’s heart. Danny Akin notes, “God’s love is foreign to humankind in that we cannot understand the magnitude of such love. It astonishes, amazes, and creates wonder within those who properly reflect upon it.” This ought to engender these reactions because of what is accomplished through this privilege.

First, through the adoption by God, we have a different family. Adoption gives the child all the rights of a natural-born offspring. We have all the rights of God’s children through God’s adoption. Further, we have been made a family together with all God has adopted. Thus the church becomes more than a social gathering; it is now a family reunion. Adoption also means that we have been removed from the world’s family. It is no wonder the world does not know or understand us. We are no longer in their family.

Second, through the adoption by God, we have a different future. When we were saved, our futures were radically changed as well. Ephesians 2 states that we were children of wrath, destined for eternal hell. We are children of God, destined for a new heaven and earth. This future is something that we cannot even begin to comprehend. 1 Corinthians 2:9 informs us that man’s heart could never imagine the glory in store for us. Charles Wesley stated it well, “And if our fellowship below in Jesus be so sweet, what heights of rapture shall we know when round his throne we meet.” As a result, death loses its sting (1 Corinthians 15). Before salvation, we had nothing to live for but were scared of dying. Now we have everything to live for, but we welcome death.

As you live each day, consider the glory of your family. You are now the child of God, the Creator of the Universe. And one day, you will live with him for all eternity in perfection if you have placed your faith in Christ.