Westminster Larger Catechism – Lord’s Day 20
Q & A 74
Q What is adoption?
A Adoption is an act of the free grace of God,*1 in and for his only Son Jesus Christ,*2 whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children,*3 have his name put upon them,*4 the Spirit of his Son given to them,*5 are under his fatherly care and dispensations,*6 admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory.*7
*1 1 John 3:1.
*2 Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:4-5.
*3 John 1:12.
*4 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:12.
*5 Galatians 4:6.
*6 Psalm 103:13; Proverbs 14:26; Matthew 6:32.
*7 Hebrews 6:12; Romans 8:17.