40+ Bible Verses About Being Adopted by God

Being adopted by God is one of the most profound and heartwarming truths found in Scripture. It reveals His deep love, grace, and desire for an intimate relationship with us. Through adoption, we are brought into His family, given a new identity, and made heirs of His eternal kingdom

As you read these verses, reflect on what it means to be a child of God. Embrace the assurance that comes from knowing you are chosen and loved. Share these truths with others who may need to hear about God’s welcoming embrace.

The Bible contains many verses that emphasize our adoption by God, from the teachings of Jesus to the letters of Paul. These passages highlight the blessings, responsibilities, and eternal hope we gain as part of His family. Below, we explore some of these inspiring Scriptures to deepen our understanding of God’s adoption

Table of Contents

1. Romans 8:15 – A Spirit of Adoption

In this verse, Paul reminds believers that God has called us not to be slaves, but His children. Through adoption, we are no longer under the bondage of fear but are embraced by the loving Father.

Scripture:
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” – Romans 8:15

Prayer:
Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family. Help me to embrace this new identity with confidence and joy, crying out to You, “Abba, Father.”

2. Ephesians 1:5 – Predestined to Adoption

This verse highlights that our adoption into God’s family was part of His plan even before we were born. Adoption is not a random event, but a part of God’s predestined will.

Scripture:
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” – Ephesians 1:5

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for choosing me even before I was born. I trust in Your plan for my life, and I am grateful to be adopted into Your family.

3. Galatians 4:4-5 – Redemption Through Adoption

In these verses, Paul explains that through Christ’s redemption, we receive the full rights of sons and daughters. Adoption is made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Scripture:
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” – Galatians 4:4-5

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for redeeming me and making me a child of God. May I honor Your sacrifice in everything I do.

4. John 1:12 – Becoming Children of God

This powerful verse assures us that all who believe in Jesus Christ are given the right to be called children of God. Through belief, we are adopted into His family.

Scripture:
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for making me Your child. I choose to believe in You, and I accept the right to be a member of Your family.

5. 1 John 3:1 – The Love of the Father

This verse emphasizes the great love God has for us. Through His adoption, we experience the profound joy of being His children.

Scripture:
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1

Prayer:
Father, I am overwhelmed by Your love. Thank You for calling me Your child. Help me to live in the fullness of this love.

6. Romans 8:16 – The Holy Spirit Confirms Our Adoption

The Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are truly God’s children. This confirms the reality of our adoption and provides the inner assurance that we belong to Him.

Scripture:
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for confirming in my heart that I am God’s child. Guide me and help me to live out this identity every day.

7. Ephesians 2:19 – Fellow Citizens with God’s People

Through adoption, we are no longer outsiders but part of God’s family. This verse reminds us that we are fellow citizens with God’s people.

Scripture:
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” – Ephesians 2:19

Prayer:
Thank You, God, for making me a member of Your household. Help me to live in unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

8. Romans 9:4 – Adoption as Part of God’s Promise

Adoption is an essential part of God’s covenant. It highlights the blessing that comes with being a child of God.

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Scripture:
“The people of Israel, theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.” – Romans 9:4

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the blessings of adoption. I am grateful to be part of Your promises and Your eternal family.

9. 2 Corinthians 6:18 – God’s Fatherly Love

In this verse, God promises to be our Father, and we will be His sons and daughters. This is a beautiful reminder of the intimacy of our relationship with Him.

Scripture:
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18

Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling me Your son or daughter. Help me to live with a heart full of gratitude for the fatherly love You show me.

10. Isaiah 43:6 – God’s Call to His Children

This verse shows that God’s call to His children extends far and wide. Adoption is not limited to a specific group; it is available to all who believe.

Scripture:
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” – Isaiah 43:6

Prayer:
Thank You, God, for calling me to be part of Your family. I am grateful to be welcomed into Your eternal love.

11. Romans 8:23 – Waiting for Our Full Adoption

While we experience the benefits of adoption now, there is an ultimate redemption we wait for when we will experience God’s family in its fullness.

Scripture:
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” – Romans 8:23

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the hope of full redemption. I eagerly wait for the day I will experience the fullness of being Your child.

12. John 14:18 – Jesus Will Not Leave Us as Orphans

In this verse, Jesus promises that He will never leave us as orphans. Through His adoption, we are always cared for and loved.

Scripture:
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18

Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for never leaving me alone. I am comforted by Your presence, knowing I am forever part of Your family.

13. 1 Peter 1:3 – Born Again into a Living Hope

Through adoption, we are spiritually reborn into a living hope. This verse emphasizes the new birth we experience as children of God.

Scripture:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3

Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for giving me new birth and a living hope through Jesus. I am grateful for the fresh start I have in Your family.

14. James 1:18 – A New Birth Through the Word of Truth

This verse connects our adoption with the truth of God’s Word, which brings us to new life in Him.

Scripture:
“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” – James 1:18

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving me new birth through Your Word. Help me to live as a child of God, reflecting Your truth in everything I do.

15. Revelation 21:7 – Overcoming and Inheriting God’s Kingdom

Those who are adopted into God’s family become heirs of His eternal kingdom. This verse reminds us that we are co-heirs with Christ, entitled to the inheritance of God’s promises.

Scripture:
“Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” – Revelation 21:7

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the inheritance I receive as Your child. I look forward to the day when I will live in Your eternal kingdom.

16. Matthew 18:3 – The Childlike Faith Required for Adoption

Jesus teaches that we must have a childlike faith to enter God’s kingdom. Our adoption is not based on our works but on our willingness to trust Him as a child trusts a loving parent.

Scripture:
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

Prayer:
Father, help me to approach You with childlike faith, trusting in Your love and grace as I embrace my identity as Your child.

17. 1 Corinthians 12:27 – We Are Part of the Body of Christ

As adopted children of God, we become part of the body of Christ. This verse emphasizes our role and interconnectedness with other believers in the family of God.

Scripture:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for making me part of the body of Christ. Help me to live in unity with my brothers and sisters, fulfilling my role in Your family.

18. Romans 8:14 – Led by the Spirit as God’s Children

This verse highlights that those adopted by God are led by the Holy Spirit. As His children, we are guided by the Spirit in all aspects of our lives.

Scripture:
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” – Romans 8:14

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, guide me as I live out my identity as God’s child. Help me to follow Your leading and walk in the path You’ve set for me.

19. Galatians 4:7 – No Longer a Slave, But a Son

Through adoption, we are no longer slaves to sin or the law but sons and daughters of God. This verse emphasizes the freedom that comes with being part of God’s family.

Scripture:
“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” – Galatians 4:7

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for freeing me from the bondage of sin and making me Your child. Help me to live in the freedom You have given me.

20. Colossians 1:13-14 – Transferred into God’s Kingdom

This verse shows that through our adoption into God’s family, we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of light, receiving forgiveness and redemption.

Scripture:
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14

Prayer:
Father, thank You for rescuing me from darkness and bringing me into Your kingdom of light. I am forever grateful for Your forgiveness and redemption.

21. Titus 3:7 – Justified by God’s Grace

This verse highlights that God’s grace justifies us, making us heirs of eternal life through adoption. Our new identity is granted not by our works but through His grace.

Scripture:
“So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:7

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for justifying me by Your grace and making me an heir of eternal life. Help me to walk in the hope and assurance of Your promises.

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22. Hebrews 12:5-6 – Discipline as Part of God’s Love

God’s love is also expressed in His discipline. As adopted children, we are trained and corrected by God for our growth and maturity in faith.

Scripture:
“And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son: ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.'” – Hebrews 12:5-6

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your loving discipline. Help me to accept Your corrections with humility, knowing that You are shaping me to be more like You.

23. 1 Peter 2:9 – A Chosen People, A Royal Priesthood

1 Peter 2:9

As adopted children, we are set apart by God for a special purpose. This verse declares that we are a chosen people and a royal priesthood to declare His praises.

Scripture:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for choosing me to be a part of Your royal priesthood. Help me to declare Your praises and live as a reflection of Your light in this world.

24. 2 Timothy 1:9 – Saved and Called to a Holy Life

This verse reminds us that God’s calling on our lives is holy. We are saved and adopted into His family for a purpose – to live a life that honors Him.

Scripture:
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” – 2 Timothy 1:9

Prayer:
Thank You, God, for calling me to a holy life. Help me to live out the purpose You have set for me and to walk in Your grace every day.

25. 1 John 5:1 – Everyone Who Believes is a Child of God

Believing in Jesus Christ means we are born of God and adopted into His family. This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in becoming His child.

Scripture:
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.” – 1 John 5:1

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for making me Your child through faith in Jesus. Help me to love You with all my heart and love others as You have loved me.

26. Luke 15:20-24 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son

In the parable of the prodigal son, we see the deep love and forgiveness of the father, representing God’s eagerness to welcome back His children, no matter where they’ve been.

Scripture:
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” – Luke 15:20-24

Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for Your unconditional love and forgiveness. No matter how far I may stray, I know I can always return to You and be welcomed with open arms.

27. John 1:12 – The Right to Become Children of God

This verse emphasizes that all who receive Jesus are given the right to become children of God. It’s a promise of spiritual adoption for those who believe in His name.

Scripture:
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me the right to become Your child. Help me to walk in the freedom and purpose You have given me through Your adoption.

28. Romans 8:16 – The Spirit Testifies to Our Adoption

The Holy Spirit within us confirms that we are children of God. His presence in our lives serves as a constant reminder of our adopted status in God’s family.

Scripture:
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for affirming my identity as a child of God. Let Your presence guide me and fill me with the assurance of Your love.

29. Ephesians 1:5 – Predestined for Adoption

Before the foundation of the world, God predestined believers to be adopted as His children. This verse underscores the sovereignty and love of God in choosing us.

Scripture:
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” – Ephesians 1:5

Prayer:
Father, thank You for predestining me to be Your child. I am in awe of Your plan and purpose for my life. Help me to live in the fullness of Your love.

30. Romans 8:17 – Heirs of God and Co-heirs with Christ

As adopted children, we share in the inheritance of God. This verse emphasizes that believers are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, meaning we are promised eternal blessings.

Scripture:
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for making me an heir of Your kingdom and a co-heir with Christ. I am humbled by the inheritance You have promised me.

31. 1 John 3:2 – Children of God, Awaiting Glory

This verse reminds us that though we are children of God, the full manifestation of our adoption will occur when we see Him face to face, in all His glory.

Scripture:
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” – 1 John 3:2

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the promise of being like You when we see You face to face. Help me to live with the hope of the glory that awaits me in Your presence.

32. James 1:18 – A New Birth through the Word of Truth

This verse emphasizes that adoption into God’s family is through the new birth, which comes from hearing and responding to the word of truth – the gospel.

Scripture:
“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” – James 1:18

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving me new birth through Your word. Help me to live in the truth of who You have made me to be.

33. Matthew 7:11 – God, the Good Father

This verse reminds us that as adopted children of God, we have a Heavenly Father who gives good gifts. He delights in blessing His children.

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Scripture:
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11

Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for being a good and generous provider. I trust in Your love and know You will give me all that I need.

34. John 14:18 – Jesus Will Not Leave Us as Orphans

Jesus assures us that He will not leave us as orphans. Through our adoption into God’s family, we are never alone but have Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us.

Scripture:
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for assuring me that I am never alone. You are with me always, and I trust in Your presence and comfort.

35. 1 Peter 1:3-4 – A Living Hope and Imperishable Inheritance

Our adoption brings us into a living hope, an inheritance that is eternal and imperishable. This verse assures us that what God has promised cannot be taken away.

Scripture:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” – 1 Peter 1:3-4

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the living hope and imperishable inheritance You have given me. Help me to live with a heart focused on the eternal promises You have made.

36. 2 Corinthians 6:18 – God as Our Father

This verse declares that God is not only our Creator but also our Father, and we are His sons and daughters. Our adoption into His family gives us a deep, intimate relationship with Him.

Scripture:
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18

Prayer:
Father, thank You for being my loving Father. I am grateful for the intimate relationship I have with You as Your child.

37. Revelation 21:7 – Inheriting the New Heaven and Earth

This verse promises that God’s children will inherit the new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more pain or suffering. It is the ultimate fulfillment of our adoption.

Scripture:
“Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” – Revelation 21:7

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the promise of eternal life with You in the new heaven and earth. Help me to live with that hope in mind, knowing I am Your child forever.

38. Galatians 3:26-29 – One in Christ Jesus

In Christ, all believers, regardless of background, are united as children of God. This passage underscores that adoption transcends earthly distinctions.

Scripture:
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:26-29

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, that in Christ, we are one family, united as Your children. Help me to embrace and love my brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of our differences.

39. Romans 9:25-26 – Called His People

God’s adoption brings us into a relationship with Him as His people, where we are loved and cared for by Him.

Scripture:
“As he says in Hosea: ‘I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people; and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,’ and, ‘In the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.'” – Romans 9:25-26

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling me Your people and Your loved one. I am overwhelmed by Your love and care for me.

40. Romans 8:23 – Waiting for the Full Adoption

Though we are already adopted as God’s children, this verse highlights that we eagerly await the full redemption of our bodies, which will happen when Jesus returns.

Scripture:
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” – Romans 8:23

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the promise of full redemption when Jesus returns. Help me to eagerly await that day and live faithfully until then.

41. Galatians 4:4-5 – Redemption and Adoption

God sent His Son to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters. Through Jesus, we are brought into God’s family, no longer slaves but His beloved children.

Scripture:
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” – Galatians 4:4-5

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Son to redeem me and bring me into Your family. I am grateful for the freedom and love You offer through adoption.

42. 1 John 5:1 – Born of God

This verse reveals that those who believe that Jesus is the Messiah are born of God and are His children. Belief in Christ leads to spiritual birth and adoption into God’s family.

Scripture:
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.” – 1 John 5:1

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the new birth You have given me through my faith in Christ. Help me to live according to Your will and love others as You love me.

43. Ephesians 2:19 – Fellow Citizens with God’s People

As adopted children of God, we are no longer strangers or foreigners but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household. This is a profound truth about belonging to God’s kingdom.

Scripture:
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” – Ephesians 2:19

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for making me a citizen of Your kingdom and a member of Your household. I am blessed to belong to You.

44. Hebrews 12:6 – God’s Discipline as a Loving Father

Adoption as God’s children doesn’t mean we are exempt from discipline. Rather, God disciplines us because He loves us and desires to mature us. This is part of our growth as His children.

Scripture:
“Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” – Hebrews 12:6

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your loving discipline. Help me to learn and grow through Your guidance, knowing it is for my good and Your glory.

45. Luke 15:11-32 – The Prodigal Son and God’s Welcoming Love

In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus illustrates the boundless love of a father who accepts his son back with open arms. This parable is a beautiful depiction of God’s mercy and the joy of being adopted into His family.

Scripture:
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” – Luke 15:22-24

Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for welcoming me into Your family with open arms, no matter my past mistakes. I am grateful for Your mercy, grace, and love that never fail.

key Insight

1. What does it mean to be adopted by God?
Being adopted by God means we are brought into His family through faith in Jesus Christ and receive the rights of being His children.

2. How do I become adopted by God?
You are adopted by God when you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and believe in Him.

3. What are the benefits of being adopted by God?
The benefits include eternal life, a relationship with God, and being heirs of His kingdom.

4. Why is adoption important in Christianity?
Adoption signifies our new identity as children of God, giving us access to His love, protection, and promises.

5. What are the benefits of being adopted by God?
As God’s children, we gain eternal life, an intimate relationship with Him, and the inheritance of His kingdom.

Conclusion

Being adopted by God is a powerful truth in the Bible that reveals His immense love and the incredible privilege of belonging to Him. Through Jesus Christ, we are brought into God’s family, given new identities, and promised an eternal inheritance. Let these verses and truths encourage and strengthen your faith as you walk in the glorious reality of being adopted by the Creator of the universe.

Being adopted by God is a powerful reminder of His unconditional love and grace. It teaches us that, no matter our past, we are welcomed into His family and given an eternal inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ.

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