CategoryDoctrine / Salvation Term
Modern Equivalentbeing received as God’s child; sonship in Christ.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / salvation term
DefinitionGod’s gracious act of receiving believers as His children, giving them the standing, privileges, and inheritance of sons through Jesus Christ.
Key Verses"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15); "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (Ephesians 1:5)
KJV Usage NoteRefers to the believer’s received status as God’s child, emphasizing family relationship, inheritance, and access to the Father.
Common MisunderstandingIt describes spiritual sonship and belonging to God through Christ, not only modern legal adoption.
EtymologyFrom Latin adoptio ("choosing for oneself, receiving as a child").