In one sense, our adoption is not yet final, because we are awaiting the return of Christ and the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23). Some scholars think that this second stage in our adoption corresponds to the Roman practice when a man adopted someone outside his family to be his son. First there was a private ceremony at which the son was purchased; then there was a public ceremony at which the adoption was declared openly before the official.
Christians have experienced the first stage: We have been purchased by Christ and indwelt by the Spirit. We are awaiting the second stage: the public declaration at the return of Christ when "we shall be like him" (1 John 3:1-3). We are "sons and heirs," and the best part of our inheritance is yet to come!
-Warren Wiersbe
By justification the believer is pardoned for offenses against the Father. By regeneration one is given new life in the Spirit. By adoption one is permitted to reenter the Father's family. The New Testament constantly interweaves these three dimensions of salvation teaching.
It is grace alone that unifies the three dimensions: "Convicting Grace" reveals to the sinner the depths of the human predicament, leading to repentance. "Justifying grace" pardons sin and invites trusting faith in the forgiving God. "Regenerating grace" redirects our dominant affections from the godless love of self to the selfless love of God. "Adopting grace" welcomes the prodigal back in the family of God.
We are not sons by creation, but by the new creation; we become sons not by the natural birth, but by the spiritual birth; not by generation, but by regeneration; not by being born but by being born again.
This is adoption. It has redemption beneath it and divine life in it.
-Thomas Oden
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