“he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”
Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV
Adoption as spoken of in scripture attempts to capture the heart of God regarding his unchanging desire to welcome us all home as sons and daughters. It’s an attempt to explain what salvation is, but also to help us grasp the longing and yearning God has for us.
Through Jesus, we aren’t told on the front step that all’s forgiven, but we are bought in and given a place. JI Packer stated once that “adoption is the highest privilege the gospel offers” that we would be bought into God’s family is gift beyond compare. He continues, “To be right with God the Judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater.”
We aren’t a burden for Him. We aren’t a consequence. We aren’t a frustration. He constantly and consistently chooses us. He chooses to throw open the doors of heaven and welcome us home. He chooses us on our worst day and on our best.
We are not an obligation or a duty to God. We are loved deeply and chosen daily.