THE SCHOOL & FAMILY CATECHIST.
by Rev. William Smith.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 34.

Q. 34. What is adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.

EXPLICATION.

Privileges of God’s children. –Some of these privileges or advantages, consist in God’s protecting, correcting, and providing for his adopted children ; in his hearing their prayers, giving them his Spirit for their guide, and his angels to guard and defend them while here ; and in securing heaven for their everlasting inheritance hereafter.

ANALYSIS.

The information here received may be divided into three parts:

1. We are first taught that adoption is an act of God’s free grace. –1 John iii. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.
2. That by this act we are received into the number of God’s sons. –John i. 12. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
3. That this act of adoption secures to us a right to all the privileges of God’s sons. –Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.