Adoption

How does Paul open his letter to the Ephesians, which he wrote while chained in a Roman prison? Not by complaining, arguing, or reflecting on his circumstances in a well-reasoned manner. Instead, he opened with a surprisingly emotional outburst of praise. What caused this? Are there lessons we can learn to help us face our own challenges?

Jesus tells his followers that they must be born again to follow him. This new birth signals a whole new life, one now free from the brokenness and hurt of our past.

Grace, once received, makes us children again—God’s children, who are adopted into his family, made heirs to his kingdom, and united with all believers by the freedom of the gospel.