Adopted Into the Family of Israel - But Not Above Its Rules

 Adopted Into the Family of Israel - But Not Above Its Rules

Upon adoption, a grateful response manifests as obedience. A youngster welcomed into a nurturing environment does not assert, “I am exempt from your regulations now that I am adopted! ”Gratitude inherently manifests as respect, humility, and a wish to honor the family that welcomed them.

Nevertheless, numerous believers today express a comparable sentiment upon entering the family of Israel through Messiah Yeshua. They assert, “I am not obligated to do anything at this moment!” I am under grace.” However, that is not thankfulness; it is insurrection cloaked in holy terminology.

Adoption Brings Covenant, Not Anarchy

Paul's epistle to the Romans did not condone this mindset; it reproached it. Romans 11 elucidates that Gentile Christians are “grafted in among them”, integrated into Israel’s olive tree, rather than supplanting it. The branches do not gloat over the root, for it is the root that sustains them (Romans 11:18).

Adoption into the household of God signifies our inclusion in a covenant family characterized by established regulations, traditions, and a sacred hierarchy. The Torah is not a burden; it is the familial code of conduct.

When Paul referred to being “not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14), he did not imply lawlessness; rather, he indicated emancipation from the punishment and dominion of sin, enabling us to pursue righteousness. The subsequent verse clarifies the misconception: "What then? Should we transgress since we are not governed by the law but by grace? Heaven forbid.” (Romans 6:15)

Grace does not negate obedience; it enhances it.

From Slavery to Sonship

Romans 8 asserts that we "have received the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Father." What is the nature of that adoption? They are not unruly children in the Father's house, disregarding His commandments, but rather sons and daughters acquiring His wisdom, and mirroring His character.

Yeshua stated, "If you love Me, adhere to My commandments." John 14:15

Paul reiterates this notion by urging believers to offer themselves as “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). Adoption does not grant us liberty to sin; rather, it empowers us to serve.

The Family Has a Culture

Each family possesses a distinct culture. The culture of Israel is founded on covenant fidelity, encompassing adherence to the Torah, observance of the Sabbath, integrity in commerce, sanctity in worship, and benevolence towards the foreigner.

By uniting with that family through the Messiah, we acquire its ideals. To repudiate those principles is to disgrace the family legacy

Romans 2:13 explicitly states: "For not the hearers of the law are justified before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."

Paul is not opposing grace; he is elucidating the genuine outcomes of grace: heartfelt obedience.

Gratitude That Walks

Obedience is not a means to gain favor; rather, it is a natural expression of gratitude. If we fully grasp the sacrifice made by the Father for our adoption, recognizing the blood price paid by His Son, then the minimum we can do is adhere to the regulations of His kingdom.

Romans 6:17 expresses gratitude: "But God be thanked, that you were servants of sin, but you have wholeheartedly obeyed the doctrine that was imparted to you."

Attention, compliance from the heart. It arises not from fear or legalism, but from love.

Final Thought

Adoption in Israel is a privilege, not a circumvention. The Father did not invite us into His house to deconstruct it; rather, He welcomed us to learn how to inhabit it.

Grace does not serve as an exemption from obedience. It is an invitation to reside properly inside the covenant community of Israel, invigorated by the Spirit of Yeshua, who exemplified the Torah impeccably.

“Do we nullify the law through faith?” God forbid; indeed, we uphold the law.”  - Romans 3:31

Let us thus live as appreciative children, rather than entitled ones – respecting our Father by adhering to the principles of His family.

Reflection / Discussion Prompt:
How do you show gratitude to the Father for your adoption into His family?
Is there an area where you feel the Spirit inviting you to walk more faithfully in the family’s ways?