Identity Theft pt. 3

There is an unfortunate reality that many people experience. They have come to Christ, expressed faith in what he has accomplished for them, receive salvation and forgiveness, yet they lack any experience of closeness. They feel disconnected from any local church and disconnected from the universal body of Christ in the world. In part three of our "identity theft" series, we look at the truth that in Christ we are heirs and have been adopted into God's family and we "share in the inheritance of the saints in light". We will also look at the lies we believe that keep us from experiencing that truth.

Colossians 1:11-14 reminds us that in Christ we "share in the inheritance of the saints in light". But this truth is echoed all throughout Scripture. Ephesians 1 tells us that "in love He predestined (predetermined, pre-purposed) us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ."  In Titus 3 it says "having been justified by His grace we become heirs having the hope of eternal life." In Christ we are justified and that secures our clean record before a Righteous Judge. In Christ we are adopted and that secures our family relationship with God.

In order for us to really understand this truth and its effect on our lives we need to understand some of the differences between first century Roman adoption and adoption in our current day. Today would-be parents typically adopt babies, although it is not uncommon to adopt elementary age or even young teens.  However, in Roman culture it was more common to adopt teenage boys or even young adults. Today those who are adopted have been given up by their biological parents or their parents have died.  Not so in early Roman culture, often the adopted one still had contact with his biological family. In fact, one of the purposes of adoption was to join families, to make political alliances, but most commonly it was to secure a male heir.


You are probably familiar with Rome's most famous adoptee, Gaius Octavius. Although you probably know him by another name, Augustus Caesar. Yes, even the throne could be passed down through adoption.

Paul uses the first century cultural understanding of the permanence and familial bond of adoption to describe the new relationship between believers and the family of God.

Yet unfortunately many people still believe the lie...

LIE #3

I DON’T BELONG

I DON’T FIT IN

I’M NOT CONNECTED

I’M NOT PART OF THE COMMUNITY

I’M NOT PART OF THE  FAMILY

This lie is particularly deceiving especially when we look at our lives. Many do not look to the truth of God's Word, but rather to their own experience and draw conclusions about themselves. Here are five reasons that someone might give and how Scripture addresses each.

I'M TOO DIFFERENT: Ephesians tells us that the reason Jesus came was do break down differences and to bring all things under one leadership, Himself. And to tear down dividing walls of difference and hostility (1:10, 2:13-14).

MY PAST IS TOO SINFUL: Again Ephesians reminds that we were all dead in our sins. No one is more dead that someone else. Dead is dead. But God being rich in mercy made us alive in Christ Jesus (2:1-5). 

I'M NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE ENOUGH: God chose to use the simple things to shame the wise. He uses the weak to defeat the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). All you need to know is that Jesus was crucified for your sins (2:2). 

I STILL STRUGGLE WITH SIN: This is not a surprise to God. Jesus has saved us from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and the future presence of sin. We are still susceptible however, to its influence, but we have been given the means to overcome. The battle with our flesh will be ever-present as long as we are alive. Even Paul struggled with this constant back and forth of victory and defeat with sin (Romans 7:21-25). 

THE WAY I'M TREATED BY OTHER PEOPLE: I wish Scripture gave us some insight into how to control other people's behavior, but alas it does not. It does however give us instruction on how we are to respond. Hebrews 10 says that we ought to "spur (encourage, nudge) one another toward love and good deeds". So if someone treats you badly, don't take it personally against you, take is as they are in need of some loving encouragement. They are not acting like a part of the family, not you.

The truth of the matter is: 
IN CHRIST WE SHARE IN THE INHERITANCE

In Christ we have been adopted

In Christ we are heirs

In Christ we are family