Day 23: The Father, Source, Sender, and Adopter

Scripture
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3 ESV

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God, and so we are.” 1 John 3:1 ESV

Confessional Summary
Westminster confesses that the Father is fully God, “of one substance, power, and eternity” with the Son and the Holy Spirit, and that He is “neither begotten nor proceeding” (Westminster Confession of Faith 2.3). It also teaches adoption as a distinct grace, that all who are justified are received into the number of God’s children and enjoy the liberties and privileges of sons (Westminster Confession of Faith 12.1). Heidelberg teaches us to pray “Our Father” because God has become our Father through Christ, and we may come to Him with childlike confidence (Heidelberg Catechism 120).

The Reformers wanted Christians to know God as Father, not as an employer who tolerates them, but as the One who loves, sends, and adopts.

Reflection
Many Christians live as if the Father is harsh and Jesus is kind. Scripture does not allow it. The Father is not the obstacle Jesus has to overcome. The Father sends the Son. He chooses to bless. He adopts. If you picture Jesus as persuading a reluctant Father, you have turned the gospel inside out.

Ephesians 1:3 starts with God, not you. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Before you look at your progress or begin to measure yourself, Paul begins with what the Father has already done. He has blessed His people in Christ with every spiritual blessing. That is not Him being stingy. It is the overflow of divine grace.

1 John 3:1 brings it down to the level of identity. Adoption is not God letting you stay in the house if you behave. It is God giving you His name. “And so we are.” John does not speak like someone hoping God will keep him. He speaks like someone who has been claimed.

This changes how you approach God when you sin and when you suffer. If you approach as a spiritual employee, prayer becomes a performance review. You try to sound right, feel right, and earn the meeting. If you approach as a child adopted by grace, you still pursue holiness, but you do it from security, not desperation. You confess because you are already His. You obey because you belong.

Application
Where have you treated the Father as reluctant? Say it plainly to Him. Then pray today without bargaining, asking for help like a son who has access.

Take one step of obedience you have been avoiding, not to earn His love, but because you already have it in Christ.

Prayer

Father, blessed be Your name. Thank You for sending Your Son and adopting me by grace. Break my orphan instincts and teach me to come to You with trust, reverence, and confidence through Jesus Christ. Amen.