Eagerly Waiting: Our Adoption in Christ from Romans 8

I heard a great message from C.J. Mahaney a few years ago expounding the doctrine of adoption which is highlighted primarily in Romans 8. One of the things C.J. pointed out (quoting J.I. Packer) was that while we must celebrate our Justification in Christ as one of the most important aspects of our salvation, the doctrine of adoption, when truly understood, is a deeper relational reality to behold. It is by this that we cry to God, "Abba Father" and experience the love of a Father in a perfect and unblemished way. Click here to listen to Mahaney's entire message from the New Attitude 2008 Conference. Also, check out Romans 8:12-25 from which we got the title of this blog:

Romans 8:12-25 ESV

Heirs with Christ

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Future Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.