Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred truth of adoption into the family of God, which by definition presupposes that we are not natural sons and daughters, but are included in God's family through the process of adoption, by which we are baptized by immersion and given the seal of His Spirit. This process is what Christ was referring to when He was speaking to Nicodemus of the new-birth, the experience that is absolutely necessary before anyone can be partakers of the privileges of being sons. Although we were created by God in the beginning, yet because of sin, we were handed over to satan by default as his own possession, and that's why it has now become necessary for us to be born again and adopted back into the family of God. This sacred truth is written in several passages of scripture. Let's read:
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi".... 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?" 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
As with the adoption of animals so it is with the adoption of sons and daughters into the family of God. There are many animal shelters across America which cater to animals that have gone astray, and these facilities provide opportunities for the animals to be adopted by families or individuals, who are then responsible for their upkeep and well-being. But the animals must now adapt to their new home environment, and must abide by the rules, whereas before when they wandered aimlessly, they could do whatsoever they pleased. The same is true when we are adopted into the family of God, for previously we also wandered aimlessly, drinking at the polluted cisterns of life, until Christ came along and offered us adoption.
So now that we have been incorporated back into God's family, we too are expected to abide by the rules of our new environment, by living in harmony with the laws and precepts of His kingdom, hence the reason why the former behaviors that we indulged when estranged from Christ, must be resolutely put away, for they are foreign to the new environment Christ has brought us into. The Sabbath of the fourth commandment is one of the rules existing in our new habitat, and even though it existed from the beginning, but was trampled upon by us when we were walking contrary to God, yet it must now be kept as sacred, if indeed we have experienced rebirth and adoption as sons. This is one of the hallmarks of true conversion, when we are found to be adhering to all of the existing laws in the new setting which Christ has placed us in. Let's read:
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
In our own personal experiences as Christians, let us therefore be found living as adopted sons and daughters, who have been given a new lease on life, and let us endeavor by the grace of God, to ever walk in harmony with the laws and commandments He has given, which would have preempted the need for adoption in the first place. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to stay the new course God has placed us on, and if we are faithful to the end, He will finally restore us to the original place He intended for us. Let's read:
John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!