4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Why? That is so often a question asked by toddlers in their quest to understand their world. In reality it is a very appopriate questions for adults to ask. Discovering why something occurred, or why someone acted in the way they did, provides clarity in the midst of uncertainty. In Galatians 4:5, Paul answers a major why questions in relation to God’s motivation to send His Son, Jesus, to the world. The preceeding verse discussed the timing of God’s decision, and 4:5 discusses the motivation.
Redemption and adoption are two deeply theological statements. Both of these are used in 4:5 to describe God’s motive. When Christ came as a mind, He came to earth fully under the Law. In order for Christ to redeem us from the Law, it was necessary for Him to live under the Law. Given that Galatians is written to a Jewish and Gentile audience, it is understood that Christ’s redemption was intended for both the Jew and the Gentile. 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us that Christ became sin for us. Christ’s redemption from the curse and captivity of sin, makes possible a new life through adoption.
As adopted sons and daughters of God, we have full rights as heirs. 2 Samuel 7:14, Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:23 and 9:4-5 give us further clarity into the signficance of our adoption. Given that adoption was a common, legal system in a Greek influenced culture, the readers would have understood the significance of being adopted. In this culture, adoption involved being chosen and instated as a full heir, even if the adoptee was an adult.
Being a child of God has deep significance and great meaning. To realize that God chose to send His Son to earth so that we could be redeemed as His children is humbling and thrilling. Don’t be afraid to ask why, and be confident in His answer.
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