Yesterday I did not preach because we hosted Voddie Baucham for a special day that we called Adoption Sunday. Voddie and his family were already scheduled to be back in Zambia following their short visit to the United States at the end of 2015, but a phone call changed everything. They were asked to consider adopting a child that’s scheduled to be born in February. After taking some time to pray and consider this, he and his wife Bridget decided to move forward with the sudden plan of adopting baby #10.
In yesterday’s evening service, Voddie Baucham preached from Romans 8:1-17. He made several points that are extremely helpful. First, he pointed out that according to verses 1-8, it’s completely impossible to please God in the flesh. The idea that we can be neutral is not supported by the biblical text. Paul clearly states in verse 7 – “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed , it cannot.”
He went on to make the point that all of God’s children have the Holy Spirit, and that we should never view the possession of the Holy Spirit as a second blessing. To make the receiving of the Holy Spirit a second step in the work of sanctification is a theological error. Voddie clearly pointed this out from verses 9-11.
Finally, in verses 12-17, he labored the point that all of the blessings and promises that come at the end of Romans 8 (the golden chain of salvation) with the ultimate culmination of glorification are anchored in the doctrine of adoption. He said, “All of God’s children are adopted.” Voddie pointed out the fact that adoption is positioned right in the middle of justification and sanctification in the order of salvation. Interestingly, he pointed out that we cannot foreknow, predestine, justify, sanctify, or glorify any other person, but we can adopt another person.
At one point in the sermon, he said, “If you wonder if God loves you, don’t look at your feelings – look at the cross.” It’s through Jesus Christ that our sins are atoned for, and God has demonstrated His vast love for guilty sinners. As adopted children, we have been joined together as sons of God and made heirs of God – fellow heirs with Christ. What a truth that we will one day be glorified with Christ – and we have assurance not based upon our feelings but based upon the fact that we have been adopted into the family of God.
