Baptist Catechism, Q37: Adopted as Sons

BAPTIST CATECHISM, Q37: ADOPTION: RECEIVED AS SONS

Question 37. What is adoption?
Answer. Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.

1689 Confession on Adoption: All those that are justified, God vouchsafed, in and for the sake of His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption,1 by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God,2 have His name put on them,3 receive the spirit of adoption,4 have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father,5 are pitied,6 protected,7 provided for,8 and chastened by Him as by a Father,9 yet never cast off,10 but sealed to the day of redemption,11 and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.12

I. ADOPTION IS AN ACT OF GOD'S FREE GRACE. In Adoption,
A. We are recipients and are received into the number.
—We are able to enjoy the liberties and privileges of children.
—We receive the spirit of adoption.
—We receive His name put on us.
—We gain access to the throne.
—We are enabled to cry, "Abba, Father."

B. God provides for us.
—He pities us.
—He protects us.
—He provides for us.
—He chastens us.
—He seals us.
—He gives us an inheritance of everlasting salvation.