Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 12)

Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 12

Of Adoption

I. All those that are justified, God vouchsafes, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption, by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God, have His name put upon them, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry, Abba, Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by Him as by a Father: yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption; and inherit the promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation.

As the first phrase indicates, this chapter deals with the next logical step in the order of salvation, which is the adoption of the called, regenerated, and justified sinner into the family of God. Specifically, this definition of adoption can be broken into four elements. First, the writers say that the sinner who is justified is thereafter taken into the number of the children of God. This statement indicates the essence of adoption as it is understood in Reformed theology. The justified sinner is viewed as a favored son by God. Consequently, as the Confession says, he enjoys special liberties and privileges that accompany such a position.

This doctrine refutes a teaching that has been known to trouble the Church from time to time; the doctrine refuted here is a perverted example of the teaching known as the Fatherhood of God. In its unbiblical form, this doctrine says that God is the Father of all men; therefore, He loves all men and therefore all men will be saved. It recognizes no real distinction between saved and unsaved, or believers and unbelievers. Following the teaching of Scripture, however, the Confession states that a great difference exists between those justified and adopted and those not justified and adopted. The difference is well illustrated in the use of the family image to convey the standing of a Christian.

The second element in this explanation of adoption is represented in the words, “have His name put upon them.” The names of God are sacred designations that represent His character and His perfections; the names of God are holy. The third of the Ten Commandments deals specifically with the right treatment of God’s names. In the Old Testament, the saints are called by God’s name, they take refuge in His name, they find comfort in His name, etc. To have His name put upon us, therefore, is indicative of a profound change in our status. We are condemned sinners who become beloved sons and our heavenly Father demonstrates the intimate nature of our relationship with Him by letting us carry His name.

The third element of adoption is the access that the sinner now has to his heavenly Father. He is able to refer to God in the most personal and tender of terms; he has God as his merciful and sympathetic Father, his powerful Protector and gracious Provider. This relationship implies responsibility on the part of the adopted child, of course. He is bound to live according to the implications of his new relationship. Where necessary, therefore, his heavenly Father stands ready to chastise him so that the seed of the new life flourishes.

The fourth element in this extended definition of adoption is the permanent nature of the relationship. The Divines add that even if, as a loving Father, God must chastise His child, there never exists the possibility that the child will be “cast off” or disowned. The adoption of the justified sinner is complete and enduring. Any chastisement that the believer receives from God is designed for his good and for the protection of the relationship established between the sinner and God in Jesus Christ. God’s chastisement of His children is never intended to drive them away, but always intended to drive them toward Him in repentance. We might also note that the nature of this relationship between the sinner and God means that the sinner is bound to persevere and come into full and lasting possession of all the glory of redemption as purchased for him by the Savior.