Journal entry January 31, 2026

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5

Justification vs Adoption

Heavenly Father I have often meditated on these verses. I love J.I. Packer's comments regarding justification versus adoption. It speaks to my heart because it seems one leads to the other. In justification, You declare a penitent believer that they are not, and never will be, liable to the death that their sins deserve, because Jesus Christ, their substitute and sacrifice, tasted death in their place on the cross. This free gift of acquittal and peace, won for us at the cost of Calvary, is wonderful, it's true....

But Packer's comments on adoption ring true to my heart because I've often felt if it's not relational, it's not relevant, and if it's not relevant, it's not real.

He says "justification does not of itself imply any intimate or deep relationship with God the Judge. You could have the reality of justification without any close fellowship with God resulting. But contrast this, now, with adoption. Adoption is a family idea, conceived in terms of love, and viewing God as father. In adoption, God takes us into His family and fellowship, and establishes us as His children and heirs. Closeness, affection and generosity are at the heart of the relationship. To be right with God is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is a greater!"

Amen, Amen Heavenly Father. Without adoption I couldn't be calling you Father. I would have to refer to You as "Your Honor." "Heavenly Father" is a much sweeter term to me. Thank You that I have peace with you because Jesus Christ took my penalty for sin. Thank You that I have been given the right to be called a child of God because of Jesus Christ rising from the dead and You welcoming me into Your family through HIm. AMEN!!