[Greek] υἱοθεσία (huiothesia), [Latin] adoptio: adoption, sonship, placing as a son; Rom.8:15,23, Rom.9:4, Gal.4:5, Eph.1:5
We all must continue to pray to change the hearts and minds of those considering abortion to instead to choose to offer (give up) their child for adoption.
Background information:
Ancient Greece: Adoptions had to take place in the market-square before the assembled citizens. Adoptions occurred when there were both heirs and the need for heirs. The legal process of adoption was combined with making a will. Adoption also served the important need of providing an heir to provide for the elderly parents.
Plato’s Laws 11.926: “Accordingly, orphan children will undergo a kind of second birth. After their second birth, their orphan condition may be free as possible from their piteous misery.”
Euripides’ Hecuba 149: “For either your prayers will avail to spare your loss of your unhappy child, or you must see your daughter fall before the tomb.”
Plato’s Laws 5.730d: “At life’s loss, in complete solitude, his life becomes almost equally desolate whether his companions and children are living or dead.”
New Testament: Those led by the Spirit are called children of God. These children receive a spirit of adoption, calling Father “Abba”. Receiving the first-fruits of the Spirit, we seek redemption of our bodies. As His chosen people, Israel receives its adoption from God. God sent His Son, born of a woman, to ransom us so that we might receive adoption. In His love, the Father destined us for adoption through Jesus Christ. The Father set His heart upon us and chose us.
Scripture:
“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” Rom.8:15
Those led by the Spirit become adopted children of God. Children of God attain a close and intimate relationship with Father, calling Him Abba.
“They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, and the promises.” Rom.9:4
As His chosen people, Israel become adopted sons of the Father through the covenants and promises.
“He [the Father] destined us for adoption to Himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of His will.” Eph.1:5
We receive adoption through His Son. The Father sets His heart upon us and chooses us in this intimate relationship.
Orphanages: The Romans formed the first orphanages around 400 A.D. St. Zostikos, later martyred, was the first director of the orphanage in Constantinople. The orphanage became firmly established under the rule of the emperor Justinian. He decreed that the infants and children be exempted from slavery. He encouraged that the state, Church, and wealthy patrons provide for the resources for these children. These public facilities were to be provided by the state and charitable organizations.
Conclusion:
Adoption
In ancient Greece it was interesting to discover the public aspect of adopting. There was a need to have heirs for providing for elderly parents and for continuing the family name. Plato alludes to a second birth as an adopted child.
This term does not occur in the Old Testament.
The Aramaic term Abba, meaning father, has an intimate meaning of “daddy”. The children of God become joint heirs with Christ.
Through the Spirit, our earthly corruptible bodies will be cleared, transformed, and glorified. Our bodies will be redeemed.
Deut.7:7 states that God sets His heart upon us and chooses us.
Psa.139:13 states that God formed us and knitted us in our mother’s womb.
Many refuse, ignore, or unaware of the serious moral and spiritual consequences of abortion. God has an important part to play in the creation of life in the womb.
However, there are many who only consider the woman’s rights as paramount in abortion.
Many perhaps could be hesitant about considering their child for adoption. In order to do so, the mother must first acknowledge that this is a child rather than a choice.
Update: In light of this Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs. Wade, perhaps more mothers, in whatever circumstances they are in, may consider adoption.
We all must continue to pray to change the hearts and minds of those who are considering abortion.
Michigan governor Whitner just vetoed $20 million dollars in funding for adoption services. (This just shows her priorities.)
“Abortion is an act of desperation. It’s and awful solution to a situation that God can work out through adoption.” Bob Carlisle
“Abortion is the evil reverse-image of the gospel. Instead of ‘I’ll die for you,’ it says ‘You die for me.’” Josh Howerton
“Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his or her mother. The mother decides his or her fate.” MLK Jr.
“God knit you together into your mother’s womb, then He wove you into our hearts.” Unknown
“God knew that it doesn’t matter how your children get to your family. It just matters that they get there.” Kira Mortenson
“Adoption is when a child grew in a mommy’s heart instead of her tummy.” Unknown
“The world many not change if you adopt a child, but for that child their world will change.” Unknown
In light of the these major Supreme Court rulings, many of us may have to adopt new ways to respond to these issues. Because of these legal restraints or limitations, both sides will need to alter their strategies to enact their policies within the law. Some may even resort to applying pressure or restoring to questionable (or even illegal means). Or it may make no difference if the ends justify the means. These rulings have certainly altered the political and moral landscape. This is also a time and opportunity to change the hearts and minds of those who support abortion rights. Perhaps we can pray that they can take a new outlook in seeing that what is in the womb is a child (son or daughter) and not a choice. In the meantime, we all will continue to exchange our sincerely held views in these political and cultural wars.
Next post: to change