Holding justification and adoption together is supremely important. What happens if we fail to hold on to both doctrines?
Justification without adoption can lead to a static and impersonal understanding of God. Yes, you will be firm in your understanding of forgiveness, but you will know nothing of sonship. When other people talk about a relationship with God, it sounds weird to you.
Adoption without justification is both impossible and frightening. I have met many Christians who understand that they are a son or daughter of God, yet they know little to nothing of justification. The danger with this mistake is that you can become person who is always afraid of your heavenly Father. For you, security is only a solid as today's performance or failure.
Fortunately for us, in Christ we have both!
How does God's Word impact our prayers?
God invites His children to talk with Him, yet our prayers often become repetitive and stale. How do we have a real conversation with God? How do we come to know Him so that we may pray for His will as our own?
In the Bible, God speaks to us as His children and gives us words for prayer—to praise Him, confess our sins, and request His help in our lives.
We’re giving away a free eBook copy of Praying the Bible, where Donald S. Whitney offers practical insight to help Christians talk to God with the words of Scripture.