When God saved us, He did more than forgive our sins. He welcomed us into His family.

The doctrine of adoption answers one of the most personal questions in salvation: What relationship did God give us with Himself when He saved us? Scripture tells us that those who trust Jesus Christ are not left standing at a distance from God. They are given the privilege of becoming His children and calling Him Father.

In this episode of Written and Read, McKenzie Fleming and Dr. Robert C. Crowder explore the biblical doctrine of adoption through Romans 8, Galatians 4, and other key passages. They examine what it means to receive “the Spirit of adoption,” why believers can cry, “Abba, Father,” and how Christ’s work of redemption made our entrance into God’s family possible.

Adoption gives the believer a new relationship, a place of belonging, the loving care and correction of a heavenly Father, fellowship with God’s family, and the promise of an eternal inheritance. Salvation does more than change our standing before God. Through Jesus Christ, God makes us His children.

Scripture References

Romans 8:14–18, 23, 29; Galatians 4:4–7; John 1:12–13; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:3–6; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 12:5–11; 1 John 3:1–3; 1 Peter 1:3–5

If God has given us new life in Christ, why do we still struggle with sin?

That question troubles many sincere Christians. We know we have been saved, yet temptation remains. Old habits sometimes return. Spiritual growth can seem painfully slow. Does the continuing struggle mean something went wrong when we were saved?

In this episode of Written and Read, McKenzie Fleming and Dr. Robert C. Crowder explore the biblical doctrine of sanctification and the encouraging answer Scripture gives to that question. Beginning with Paul’s declaration, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,” they examine how God continues the work He began when He saved us.

Through passages including 1 Thessalonians 4, Romans 12, Galatians 5, and Philippians 1, they consider the believer’s continuing battle with sin, the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, the importance of God’s Word, and the believer’s responsibility to yield to God in faith and obedience.

Regeneration gives us spiritual life. Sanctification is God developing that life. The Christian life is not instant perfection, but continuing growth as God patiently shapes His children into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Scripture References

1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; Romans 12:1–2; John 17:17; Romans 6:11–14; Romans 7:18–25; Romans 8:29; Galatians 5:16–17, 22–25; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:12–13; 2 Corinthians 3:18

What does it mean to be reconciled to God?

Sin did more than make humanity guilty before God. It broke the fellowship mankind was created to enjoy with Him. From Adam and Eve hiding in the Garden to Paul’s description of sinners as alienated and enemies of God, Scripture reveals a relationship that human effort could never repair.

In this episode of Written and Read, McKenzie Fleming and Dr. Robert C. Crowder explore the biblical doctrine of reconciliation. Beginning in Genesis and moving through Romans 5, 2 Corinthians 5, Colossians 1, and Ephesians 2, they trace how God took the initiative to restore sinners to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Reconciliation shows us another side of the saving work of Christ. Through the blood of His cross, Christ made peace, removed the barrier created by sin, and brought those who were far from God near. The Gospel is not merely about escaping judgment. Through Christ, those who were once enemies are welcomed into fellowship with God.

Scripture References:Genesis 3:8–10, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:10–11, Romans 12:18, John 15:4, 2 Corinthians 5:18–21, Ephesians 2:13–18, Colossians 1:20–22