“…when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10

Lord Jesus, Your astounding act of justification

is the great gem of Truth in the New Testament.

‘

You, the Just Judge,

by the propitiation of your shed blood,

satisfied the law and bought for us,

your enemies,

complete forgiveness.

By your work, Lord Jesus, we stand justified before the court of Heaven.

Adoption, however, is another matter all together.

Justification is a forensic idea,

meeting the demands of the law,

coldly correct,

handed down in court.

In contrast, adoption is a family idea:

warm,

accepting,

welcoming,

exalting to a new position of privilege and grace.

As J.I. Packer puts it in his powerful book, Knowing God,

the Judge becomes,

“our perfect parent,

faithful in love and care,

generous and thoughtful,

interested in all we do,

respecting our individuality,

skillful in training us,

wise in guidance,

always available,

helping us to find ourselves

in maturity, integrity and uprightness….”

What more could we ask for?

Let us exalt in His love,

rest in His goodness,

rejoice in the great privilege of knowing Him.

Picture: enjoying the warmth of a father’s love.