Those whom God justifies, he adopts through Jesus Christ to himself,1 receives them as his children, and gives them the liberty and privileges of children. He calls them by his name, sends forth the spirit of adoption into their hearts, and gives them liberty to come boldly unto the throne of grace, and strength to cry, Abba, Father.2 He pities them, provides for them, teaches them, protects them, and, when necessary, chastises them as their Father;3 but he will not cast them out: he seals them unto the day of redemption. They are children, and also heirs.4
1 Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:5; Rom. 8 :17; John 1: 12. 2 Jer. 14:9; 2 Cor. 6:18; Rom. 8:15; Eph. 3:12; Gal. 4:6; Psa. 103:13; Matt 5:48; 1 Peter 5:7. 3 Heb. 12:6-10. 4 Lam. 3:31; Gal. 4:30; Heb. 1:14; 1 Peter 1:4; Isa. 56:5; 1 John 3:1-2; Matt. 25:34; Rom. 8:17.
