The Way Things Work Now

“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the Sons of God. We do not know...how things would have worked if the human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy.... You and I are concerned with the way things work now.” ―C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Adoption as Sons

Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, ² but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. ³ Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. ⁴ But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. ⁶ And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” ⁷ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. ― Galatians 4:1-7

Prayer

Father, by Your gracious provision You have redeemed us from our bondage to the world, wherein we were guilty and condemned under Your holy law. Not only did You set us free from that bondage but went far beyond our rescue by adopting us and making us Your sons and heirs through our Lord Jesus Christ. You have given us Your Spirit and welcomed us as children. We praise You and thank Your for Your marvelous grace. Amen.

Advent Action

Write down three things that you have in your life that you probably would not have had Christ not come for you and made you his child and heir. Give thanks!