"And I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (II Cor. 6:18). Such adoption is according to promise, by God's grace, through Christ, and we take it by faith (Gal. 3:7, 26; Rom. 9:8; Eze. 16:3-6; Rom. 4:16,17; John 1:12). Saints are predestinated unto adoption and are gathered together in one by Christ (Rom. 8:29; John 11:52), whereupon they become his brethren (John 20:17). Our new birth is connected with our adoption, the Holy Spirit is a witness of it, and by leading us gives us evidence of it (John 1:12,13; Rom. 8:15,16; Rom. 8:14). This adoption should lead to holiness and should work in us likeness to God and childlike confidence in God (Matt. 5:44,45,48; Matt. 6:25-34); a desire for God's glory, love of peace, spirit of prayer, forgiveness and mercy (Matt. 5:16, 7:7-11, 5:9, 6:14; Luke 6:35,36).
