Of justification,
An Exposition of the Affembly's Catechisme Of Adoption.
Queſt. 34.
☑Hat is adoption ?
A. Adoption isan art ofGod'sfreegrate, wherebywe are received into the number, and havea right to all theprivileges of the Sons ofGod.
Q. 1. Howmany forts ofSons are there?
A. There is one bygeneration, and another by adoption ; John i. 12, 13. But as manyas received him, tothem gavehe power to become the ſons ofGod, even to them that believe inhisname ; which were born, not of blood, norof thewill oftheflesh, nor ofthe will ofman, but ofGod.
Q.2. Whatmoves God toadopt anyman?
A. Nothing but his free love ; 1 John iii. 1. Beholdwhat manner of love the Fatherhathbeſtowedonus, that we should be calledthe fons ofGod.
و Q. 3. Is this privilege common toallmen ?
A. No ; it is peculiar tothem that receivehim ; John i. 12.
But as manyas received him, to them gave he power tobecome the ſonsof God.
Q. 4. What is the firſt property of adoption ?
A. It is a coſtlyrelation ; Gal. iv. 4. When thefulneſsof timewas come,God ſent forth his Son, made of a woman, madeunder the law, to redeem them thatwere underthe law, thatwe might receive the adoption offons.
Q. 5. What is the ſecond property ofadoption ?
A. It is an high and honourable relation ; 1 John iii. 1.
Behold what manner of love the Father hath beſtowed on us, thatwe shouldbe called the ſons ofGod.
Q. 6. What is the third property ofadoption ?
A. It is a free relation onGod's part ; Eph. i. 4, 5. According as he hath choſen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holyand without blame before him in love.
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children, by Jeſus Chriſt to himself, according to the good pleafure ofhis will,
And it makes us free; John viii. 36. Ifthe Sontherefore ſhallmake you free, ye ſhall be free indeed.
Q. 7. What is the fourth property ofadoption?
A. It is a permanent relation ; John viii. 35. The Son abideth in thehouſe for ever.
Q. 8. What is the firſt privilege ofthe adopted ?
A. Theyhave an in tereſt inGod, as children in a father; 2Cor. vi. 18. AndI will be a Father unto you, and ye ſhall bemyfons anddaughters,faiththe LordAlmighty.