Romans 8:12
Adoption in Romans 8 is a word that has lost most of its meaning to us in the wealthy west. What percentage of our population is adopted? With our modern social safety net the prospects for a child without a parent is not as bleak as a child in the ancient world. Today due in large part to the distant past influence of Christianity a child who has no family might become a ward of the state or in the care of a foster family. This can be difficult for a child but it can also be a great benefit and kindness to the child. But in ancient Rome the options were fewer. Essentially there were two options: adoption or slavery. For some slavery was a life of meaningful work if they held some highly valuable skill. But for the majority life would be wretched beyond words, becoming farm or domestic slaves, gladiators or sex slaves. It was a sad service not a habitat for a son. A slave had no personal life. He had no personality, he did not own his body, he had no ancestors, no name, no mind, and no gods of his own. Adoption was not uncommon in Rome. It ensured a single succession of the Empire. Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero were just a few examples of Emperors who came to power by means of adoption. But for a Christian it is more than the political power and prestige that is granted. We have also the endearment of calling God Abba
“Lord, help me never forget the great privilege of calling you ABBA, AMEN”
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