Come, Follow Me

Romans 7–16

What Does Paul Mean by “the Spirit of Adoption”?

a group of people in ancient times talking together

A Family Shares, by Dick Wahl, © Lifeway Collection / licensed from GoodSalt.com

As children of God, we have a divine nature, but we have been born into a fallen world. We are captive to sin. The Apostle Paul calls this “the spirit of bondage” (Romans 8:15). Mercifully, God provides a way out for us. When we make covenants with Him, we are freed from the spirit of bondage and receive “the Spirit of adoption” (Romans 8:15).

The Spirit of Adoption

In Paul’s day, adoption referred to naming someone outside of the family to be an heir. The adopted person would then join the new household, take on a new name, and receive an inheritance.

Paul uses the phrase “the Spirit of adoption” as an analogy for God’s covenant people. When we make covenants with God, we take on Christ’s name. Through our covenants, we become more than His children. We receive the “Spirit of adoption” and become His heirs. If we remain worthy, we will inherit all that God has (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:38).

“Know the truth about what God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, have offered you.

“In short, They have offered you everything!

“. . . [Heavenly Father’s] plan literally makes the richest blessings of all eternity available to us, including the potential for us to become ‘joint-heirs with Christ’ [Romans 8:17].”

President Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity” (worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022), broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Discussion

What promises does God make to me when I make covenants with Him? (See Romans 8:17–18.) What are my responsibilities as an heir of God? (See Romans 12.)