Jesus is not God's "one and only son."

CHAPTER 12: Of Adoption

In one of the shortest chapters in the Confession, we read of the doctrine of adoption.  We learn that all who have been justified are adopted into the family of God.  As adopted children of God, believers enjoy all the rights and privileges of sonship.

As children of God we do not relate to God based on fear that He will harm us (Romans 8:15).  Rather, having the spirit of adoption we cry out to God as Father with terms of tenderness (Romans 8:15).  Why?  Because as our Father, God is pledged to pity us, protect us, provide for us, discipline us, never and forsake we who are His children (Hebrews 13:5).

And even though Jesus is the “only begotten Son of God” and we are merely adopted children of God, we are “heirs of God” (Romans 8:17).  In addition to being the “only begotten Son,” Jesus is also the eldest, which would mean that His inheritance is at least double ours.  But God in His incredible kindness declares us to be “joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).  This means we the adopted children of God receive equal inheritance with Jesus.  Remembering that the Father has “appointed [Jesus] heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2), as joint heirs with Christ, we too are heirs with Christ Jesus of all that belongs to the Father.  Incredible!

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