Of justification,
An Exposition of the Assembly's Catechisme Of Adoption.
Quest. 34.
☑Hat is adoption ?
A. Adoption is an art of God'sfreegrate, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the Sons of God.
Q. 1. How many forts of Sons are there?
A. There is one by generation, and another by adoption ; John i. 12, 13. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name ; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Q.2. What moves God to adopt anyman?
A. Nothing but his free love ; 1 John iii. 1. Behold what manner of love the Fatherhathbestowedonus, that we should be called the sons of God.
و Q. 3. Is this privilege common toallmen ?
A. No ; it is peculiar to them that receive him ; John i. 12.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.
Q. 4. What is the first property of adoption ?
A. It is a costly relation ; Gal. iv. 4. When thefulnessof time was come,God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption offons.
Q. 5. What is the second property of adoption ?
A. It is an high and honourable relation ; 1 John iii. 1.
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God.
Q. 6. What is the third property of adoption ?
A. It is a free relation on God's part ; Eph. i. 4, 5. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
And it makes us free; John viii. 36. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Q. 7. What is the fourth property of adoption?
A. It is a permanent relation ; John viii. 35. The Son abideth in the house for ever.
Q. 8. What is the first privilege of the adopted ?
A. They have an in terest in God, as children in a father; 2Cor. vi. 18. And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall bemyfons and daughters,faith the Lord Almighty.