When it comes to adoption, there’s no denying the deep emotional connection it creates between families. The Bible, a source of guidance and wisdom for countless people, sheds light on this beautiful and powerful bond.
Whether you have personally experienced adoption or simply have a heart for it, exploring the Bible’s take on the subject is both inspiring and comforting.
From stories of adoption in the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, there’s a wealth of verses that affirm the profound significance of adoption.
These verses not only assure us of God’s heart for the fatherless and the marginalized but also offer hope and encouragement to all who have opened their hearts and homes through adoption. So, grab your Bible and get ready to uncover the heartfelt verses that illuminate this extraordinary act of love and acceptance.
Together, let’s embark on a journey through the scriptures and revel in the beauty of adoption.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Rain
Bible Verses About Adoption
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”
God’s plan for our lives includes adoption into His family through Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the loving intentionality of God, who predestined us to be adopted as His children. Adoption not only brings us into God’s family but also assures us of our inheritance in Him. We have the privilege of receiving the love, acceptance, and security that comes with being adopted by our Heavenly Father.
Romans 8:15
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the Spirit of adoption, which liberates us from fear and bondage. As adopted children of God, we have the privilege of calling Him “Abba,” an intimate term which signifies a close and loving relationship. This verse reminds us that by accepting God’s adoption, we gain a new identity as His beloved children, confident in His love and care.
Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
At the appointed time, God sent Jesus, His Son, to redeem us from the law’s requirements and to bring us into His family through adoption. This verse reminds us of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, so that we could be reconciled to God and become His children. Adoption into God’s family is made possible through Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it is a reminder of His great love for us.
John 1:12
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
By receiving and believing in Jesus, we are granted the privilege of becoming children of God. This verse emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, for it is through this belief that we receive the right to be adopted into God’s family. As children of God, we are given the authority and access to the privileges and blessings that come with being a part of His family.
1 John 3:1
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
This verse highlights the lavish love of God the Father, who has bestowed upon us the title of “children of God.” As His children, we are recipients of His incredible love and care. The world may not recognize or understand our new identity in Christ because they do not know Him. However, this verse reminds us of the wonderful privilege we have as children of God and encourages us to embrace our true identity in Christ.
Romans 8:23
“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
As children of God, we eagerly await the fullness of our adoption when our bodies are redeemed and glorified. This verse emphasizes the hope and longing we have for the ultimate fulfillment of our adoption. Although we experience the benefits and blessings of our adoption in the present, there is still a sense of incompleteness as we eagerly await our future glorification as children of God.
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
Through the Holy Spirit, we receive confirmation that we are indeed children of God. This verse highlights the personal and intimate nature of our adoption. The Spirit testifies within us, reassuring our spirits that we have been adopted into God’s family. This inner witness brings a deep sense of peace, security, and identity as children of God.
Galatians 3:26
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
Our adoption into God’s family is not dependent on our ethnicity, social status, or gender. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are all sons and daughters of God, regardless of our background or circumstances. This verse emphasizes the inclusive nature of God’s adoption plan, showing that every believer has the privilege of being part of God’s family.
Acts 17:28
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”
In Christ, we find our true identity as children of God. This verse reminds us that our existence is rooted in Him. Our relationship with God is not only one of adoption but also one of origin. As His offspring, we are intimately connected to Him, and our lives find their purpose and meaning in His presence. This verse encourages us to acknowledge and embrace our identity as children of God.
1 John 3:2
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”
As children of God, we already possess the status and privilege of being part of His family. Nevertheless, our full transformation into the likeness of Christ is yet to be realized. This verse creates a sense of hope and anticipation for our future glorification. One day, when we see Jesus face to face, we will be completely transformed into His likeness and enjoy the fullness of our inheritance as God’s children.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
As adopted children of God, our bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit. This verse reminds us that we have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore, our lives should be lived to honor and glorify God. Our bodies, minds, and souls all belong to Him, and we are called to steward them well, living in obedience and righteousness.
Romans 9:26
“And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.'”
This verse speaks of the remarkable transformation that takes place through God’s adoption. It reveals that those who were once considered separate or excluded from God’s family will be embraced as His children. It illustrates God’s grace and mercy, as He extends His invitation to all who believe in Him to become part of His family. Our adoption is a powerful testament to the redemptive work of God.
Romans 8:14
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
By surrendering our lives to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we affirm our identity as children of God. This verse encourages us to follow the guidance of the Spirit, allowing Him to guide and direct our steps. It is through our obedience and reliance on the Spirit that we experience the fullness of our adoption and walk in the blessings and privilege of being sons and daughters of God.
Psalm 27:10
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.”
This verse speaks to those who may have experienced rejection or abandonment by their earthly parents. It reassures us of God’s unfailing love and care. Even when others fail us, God is always there to receive us into His arms. The pain of earthly rejection can be healed through the perfect love of our Heavenly Father who welcomes us into His family with open arms.
1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Through Jesus’ resurrection, we are born again into a living hope. This verse describes the regeneration and new life that we experience through our adoption into God’s family. As His children, we have a living hope that we carry with us, knowing that we are eternally secured in His love and grace.
John 14:18
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
These comforting words from Jesus assure us that we are never alone or abandoned. Jesus promised that He would not leave us as orphans, indicating His intention to adopt us into His family. This verse reminds us of the reassurance we have in Jesus’ constant presence, love, and care. We can find solace and comfort in knowing that as His children, we have a Heavenly Father who is always with us.
Romans 8:15
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
Adoption is a powerful concept that is deeply rooted in the love and freedom found in Christ. This verse reminds us that as believers, we no longer have to live in fear or bondage, but have received the Spirit of adoption. In our adoption, we have been given the privilege to call God our Father, using the term “Abba,” which expresses an intimate, loving relationship. Through adoption, we are not only set free from the slavery of sin but also given a new identity as children of God, forever secure in His love.
John 1:12
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
This verse highlights the incredible privilege of adoption offered to us through faith in Jesus Christ. By believing in Him and receiving Him into our lives, we are given the right to become children of God. Adoption is not something to be earned or deserved but rather is a gift freely given to all who put their trust in Jesus. Through this adoption, we gain the full rights and benefits of being part of God’s family, experiencing His love, grace, and inheritance as His beloved children.
1 John 3:1
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
This verse invites us to ponder the depth of God’s love for us. We are called children of God, not because of anything we have done or achieved, but solely because of His immeasurable love for us. Adoption into God’s family is a testament to the radical nature of His love, which transcends human understanding. However, the world may not fully recognize or understand this love because it does not know the Father. Our adoption serves as a reminder of God’s incredible love and sets us apart as His chosen people.
Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
This verse highlights the redemptive purpose of Jesus’ birth and the ultimate goal of our adoption as children of God. In God’s perfect timing, Jesus was sent to redeem us from the bondage of sin and the law. His sacrifice made it possible for us to be adopted as sons and daughters of God. Our adoption is a result of God’s love and His desire to bring us into a loving relationship with Him. It is a beautiful display of His grace, mercy, and the lengths He went to make us part of His family.
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”
Before the foundations of the world, God had already planned for our adoption into His family through Jesus Christ. This verse reveals the deliberate and intentional nature of God’s plan. Our adoption is not a random or arbitrary decision but something that God purposed for us. It highlights His sovereignty and His desire for us to experience the fullness of His love and grace as His children. As believers, we can find comfort and assurance in knowing that our adoption is secure and part of God’s perfect plan for our lives.
Romans 8:23
“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
This verse highlights both the present reality and the future hope associated with our adoption. As believers, we have already received the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit, which is a foretaste of the fullness of our adoption. Yet, we also long for the day when our adoption will be complete and our bodies will be fully redeemed. This verse reminds us that while we wait for that glorious day, we can find solace in the assurance that our adoption is assured, and an everlasting inheritance is ours in Christ.
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are given assurance and confirmation of our status as children of God. This verse reveals that the Spirit testifies within us, allowing us to deeply know and experience our adoption. The Holy Spirit’s presence serves as a witness to our hearts, reassuring us of our belonging to God’s family. When doubts or uncertainties arise, we can rely on the Spirit’s witness to remind us of our true identity and the unbreakable bond we share with our Heavenly Father.
Galatians 3:26
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
This verse emphasizes that adoption into God’s family is available to all who have faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of their background or position in society. Regardless of our earthly circumstances, we are united as sons and daughters of God through our faith in Jesus. Our adoption is a result of God’s grace and love, and it is by placing our faith in Him that we become part of His family. Our faith is the key that unlocks the door to our adoption and establishes our identity as children of God.
1 John 3:2
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”
This verse speaks to the present reality of our adoption as well as the future hope and transformation we will experience. As believers, we are already God’s children, but there is still a future aspect to our adoption that is yet to be fully revealed. The verse assures us that when Jesus returns, we will be transformed into His likeness and share in His glory. Our adoption is an ongoing process, with our identity as God’s children being both a present reality and a future promise.
Acts 17:28
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”
This verse emphasizes our divine connection to God as His offspring. In Him, we find our purpose, our existence, and our identity. Our adoption into God’s family is not a peripheral event, but rather the very essence of our being. We are intricately woven into His plans, intimately connected to Him. This truth challenges us to fully embrace our identity as His children, living in a way that reflects our connection to the Father and the inheritance we have received through adoption.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This verse reminds believers of the significance of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Our adoption into God’s family comes at a great cost—Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We no longer belong to ourselves; we have been bought with a price. This truth challenges us to honor God in how we live, recognizing that even our physical bodies are instruments for His glory. Our adoption brings both responsibility and privilege, calling us to live in a way that reflects our new identity as God’s children.
John 14:18
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
These words from Jesus offer great comfort and assurance to believers. In our adoption as children of God, we are no longer orphaned or alone. Jesus promises that He will always be with us, providing the love, care, and guidance of a Father. This verse reassures us that our Heavenly Father is not distant or disconnected but intimately involved in our lives. We can find solace and security in knowing that we have a Father who will never abandon us but will always come to our aid.
Psalm 27:10
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.”
This verse speaks to those who may have experienced parental abandonment, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and love. Even if our earthly parents fail us, we can find comfort in knowing that the Lord will take us in and provide for us. Our adoption into His family supersedes any earthly relationships and offers a secure and loving environment where we are accepted, loved, and cared for. God’s promise to take us in showcases His compassion and grace, assuring us that we will never be left alone or forsaken.
1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has given us a new birth and a living hope. This verse reminds us that our adoption into God’s family is a result of His mercy and the
What Does the Bible Say About Adoption?
The Bible doesn’t specifically address the modern concept of legal adoption as it exists today, but it does contain several instances and principles that can be related to adoption. In many cases, adoption in the Bible is symbolic of spiritual truths and God’s relationship with humanity.
Adoption of Believers by God
The New Testament speaks of believers being adopted by God into His family through faith in Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 1:5, the apostle Paul writes that God “predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” This metaphor highlights the idea that God brings individuals into a new spiritual family, offering them the rights and privileges of a child of God.
Moses’ Adoption
One of the most notable stories involving adoption in the Bible is the adoption of Moses by Pharaoh’s daughter in the Old Testament. Exodus 2:10 records how Moses was taken in by Pharaoh’s daughter after being placed in a basket on the Nile River. Although not framed as a modern adoption, this event demonstrates God’s providential care and His ability to use unexpected circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
Spiritual Adoption and Inheritance
In Romans 8:15-17, Paul explains the concept of believers receiving the Spirit of adoption, which allows them to call God “Abba, Father.” This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship believers have with God as His adopted children. Additionally, Paul discusses the concept of inheritance in Galatians 4:4-7, stating that believers are no longer slaves but heirs through God, signifying a new status and relationship.
Caring for Orphans
While the Bible might not directly address legal adoption, it does emphasize the importance of caring for orphans and the fatherless. James 1:27 states, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” This principle can be extended to modern adoption, as it reflects God’s heart for the vulnerable and marginalized.
In summary, while the Bible doesn’t provide a comprehensive guide to modern adoption practices, it does contain principles that reflect the concept of adopting believers into God’s family and caring for those in need. These principles emphasize the spiritual and relational aspects of adoption rather than the legal and procedural aspects that characterize contemporary adoption practices.