Adoptionism is a theological belief that suggests Jesus was adopted as the Son of God at his baptism, resurrection, or some point in his life, rather than being divine by nature. While not a mainstream biblical doctrine, proponents drew from passages that highlight Jesus’ status as the Son of God, such as Luke 3:22, where God proclaims Jesus as His beloved Son.
Scripture
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
14 But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;
17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Adoptionism in Biblical Context
Adoptionism posits that Jesus was not inherently divine but was designated as the Son of God upon his baptism, resurrection, or another significant moment in his life. This view diverges from the traditional Christian understanding of the Trinity, which affirms that Jesus has always been divine, co-existing with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Proponents of Adoptionism often refer to verses like Luke 3:22, where God’s voice from heaven declares, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” They interpret this moment as a divine adoption rather than a revelation of Jesus’ eternal sonship, suggesting that it marks the beginning of his special relationship with God.
Furthermore, the idea of Adoptionism finds some support in other scriptural passages that emphasize Jesus’ earthly experience and the humanity he embraced. For instance, in Philippians 2:6-7, Paul writes that Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” This notion of Jesus taking on a servant’s nature might suggest that his divine status was not evident until a significant moment of divine endorsement. However, traditional Christian doctrine highlights the eternal relationship between Christ and the Father as described in John 1:1, stating, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This foundational concept asserts that Jesus’ divinity is not something conferred upon him but inherent to his very nature, contrasting sharply with the tenets of Adoptionism and reinforcing the belief that Jesus has always existed as the Son of God.
The debate surrounding Adoptionism is notably present in early Christian literature and the writings of the Church Fathers. Many of these theologians vehemently defended the traditional understanding of Christ’s nature against Adoptionist views. For example, in response to the notion that Jesus was a mere human elevated to divine status, early church leaders like Tertullian emphasized the essential unity of Christ with God. The Christological controversies of the early centuries centered on how to articulate the relationship between the Father and the Son, a relationship that was understood to be eternal and not based on an event in Jesus’ life. This theological insistence highlighted the belief that Jesus was fully divine and fully human from the moment of his incarnation, establishing a clear boundary against the concept of Adoptionism and reaffirming the doctrinal position of the Trinity.
Moreover, certain passages within the New Testament reinforce the eternal divinity of Christ, presenting him as an integral part of God’s redemptive plan. In the Book of Hebrews, the writer asserts that God has spoken to humanity through His Son, implying that this Son possesses divine authority and nature. Similarly, Colossians 1:16-17 proclaims that all things were created through him and for him, powerfully affirming Christ’s preeminence over creation and his involvement in it. These testimonies underscore the idea that Jesus’ sonship is not a transactional designation after a particular event, but rather an intrinsic aspect of His identity, suggesting that any understanding of him as merely adopted stands in stark contrast with the overarching biblical narrative of Christ’s divine nature.
Understanding the Nature of Christ
Adoptionism presents a theological perspective that emphasizes the humanity of Jesus Christ, suggesting that he was a man who was adopted by God as his Son. This view invites deeper contemplation on the dual nature of Christ—fully divine and fully human. It challenges believers to explore how Jesus’ life and actions exemplify the ideal relationship between humanity and the divine, highlighting the potential for all believers to be seen as children of God through faith and obedience.
The Role of Divine Favor
In the context of Adoptionism, the concept of divine favor plays a crucial role. It suggests that Jesus, through his exemplary life and obedience to God, was granted a unique status as the Son of God. This notion encourages believers to reflect on the importance of living a life that aligns with God’s will, as it underscores the idea that divine approval and relationship with God can be cultivated through righteousness and faithfulness.
Implications for Believers’ Identity
Adoptionism also has significant implications for the identity of believers. By framing Jesus’ sonship as a result of divine adoption, it opens the door for understanding how all believers can be considered children of God. This perspective fosters a sense of belonging and community among Christians, emphasizing that through faith, they too can experience a transformative relationship with God, akin to that of Jesus. It reinforces the idea of spiritual adoption, where believers are invited into a familial relationship with the divine, shaping their identity and purpose within the faith community.
How to Embrace Divine Sonship for Spiritual Growth
Embracing divine sonship is a transformative journey that invites us to recognize our identity as beloved children of God, which can profoundly impact our spiritual growth. To truly internalize this truth, start by immersing yourself in Scripture, particularly passages like Romans 8:14-17, which remind us that we are heirs with Christ. Reflect on what it means to be part of God’s family—this includes understanding His unconditional love, grace, and the responsibilities that come with being His child. Engage in prayer, not just as a ritual, but as a heartfelt conversation with your Father, allowing His voice to guide and comfort you. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable in your walk. As you cultivate this relationship, you’ll find that embracing your divine sonship empowers you to live out your faith with confidence, compassion, and a deeper sense of purpose, ultimately drawing you closer to the heart of God.
Bible References to Adoptionism Concepts:
Mark 1:9-11: 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22: 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,
3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
John 1:29-34: 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’
31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”
32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.
33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
Acts 2:22-24: 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—
23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
Romans 1:1-4: 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh
4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
Philippians 2:5-11: 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hebrews 1:1-5: 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?
1 John 4:1-3: 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.