In Christian theology, justification is that act of God by which the sinner, who is responsible for his guilt and is under condemnation but believes in Christ, is pronounced just and righteous, or acquitted, by God the JUDGE (Rom. 3:28; 4:25; 5:16, 18; 8:28–34). According to the Scriptures, God justifies by GRACE, for Christ’s sake, through FAITH.

The biblical doctrine of the new birth.

The act of adoption is the conclusion of any action by which individuals are brought into a new family relationship where they now have new privileges and responsibilities, and at the same time lose all previous rights and are divested of all the previous duties of their former family relationship.

The reality of spiritual adoption may be outlined as follows: (1) Fallen sinners are strangers to the family of God; as enemies of God their father is the devil (Jn. 8:44). (2) Yet despite this fact they are invited to enter God’s family; to take his name upon them; to share in his fatherly care and discipline. (3) Such as accept this invitation are received into his family and protection. From this point they are called the children of God and are privileged to address him as Father. God as the heavenly Father of believers provides care (Lk. 11:11–13), sustenance (Ps. 23:1), protection (Ps. 114:1–2), instruction (through his word and by his providence), correction (Heb. 12:7; cf. 5–11), and an inheritance (Rom. 8:17).