One of the most basic human desires is the desire for the love of a parent. There is a bond formed through pregnancy between the parents and the child. Normally this bond will continue through life. Rarely do natural parents have to learn to love their children and vice versa. Sometimes a child has no parents in their life and this is where adoption comes into play.
In the context of Acts 17, God is the Father of all who live. We are all cons of God in that He created humans (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-23) But then Adam and Eve sinned and separated themselves from their Father. Now humans must be reconciled to God. However, merely being human doesn’t put a person in a spiritual relationship with God any more than merely wanting to belong to a wealthier family will give you that name. Just as there are civil laws by which we abide to adopt a child, there are conditions we must meet for God to adopt us. Older human children aren’t forced into an adoption; they have a right to say no to the request. God has offered us adoption to become His children. When we acquiesce appropriately, He welcomes us with open arms, and we can then claim all the blessings belonging to the King of all kings! We earn the right to wear the title of Christian.
In John 8:30-47 Jesus is having a discussion with Jews and telling them that to be children of God, they must obey God. In 1 John 2:28-3:10, the apostle tells us that to be called children of God we must obey God. In both places we are told if we aren’t obedient children of God, we are children of the devil. There are so many blessings to be found as children of God, the greatest of which is a home with Him for eternity. When that time comes, we all surely should have sought adoption from the only perfect Father.
Hear - Romans 10:17 Believe - Hebrews 11:6
Repent – Acts 17:30 Confess – Acts 8:36-37
Be baptized – 1 Peter 3:20-21
Remain faithful – Revelation 2:10
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