God has predestined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1.5).

In the time of the apostle Paul,

childless couples frequently adopted a son who became their heir.

Even if the adoptive son's biological parents were still alive,

they no longer had any rights over him once the adoption was completed.

Plenary adoption is a legal act.

The child does not simply change the family.

There is a complete break with the old family.

The adopted child changes his or her name and receives a new birth certificate.

He or she is no longer entitled to inheritance from his or her biological family,

but is fully integrated into the lineage of his or her new family.

The old family no longer has any rights over him or her.

In some countries,

biological parents no longer even have the right to see their child.

Paul uses this social custom to teach the following biblical truths:

- We are chosen before we are born,

but we become God's children by adoption the moment we accept God's salvation.

- We are fully children of God.

The break with the past is complete.

Our "old family" no longer has any power over us.

- Adoption was made possible by Christ's death.

It took place the moment we believed and became members of God's family (Romans 8, 15),

but it will be fully realized when we put on our resurrection body (Romans 8, 23).

Thank God for your new spiritual family.

Speak the names of those who have become true fathers and mothers,

brothers and sisters in the church for you.

Thank God for them.

Read Ephesians 4, 17 to 32.

Make a first list of behaviors from the old family that are no longer allowed in the new family,

the family of God.

Then make a second list of behaviors you must learn as sons and daughters of God's family.

Examine your life to see if you still have any of the behaviors of your old life.

If so,

seek to change them,

with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Ask God to show you who in your church needs a spiritual father or mother or brother or sister.

Draw close to that person and accompany him or her in life as you would a brother or sister in your natural family.