What does the Bible say about adoption in God's family?

Scripture presents adoption in the context of being made sons of God through redemption. Unlike human adoption, which typically involves moving a child from one family to another, biblical adoption signifies a change in status from being under the law to being recognized as a full heir in the family of God. This transition was made possible through the redeeming work of Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf, allowing us to receive the adoption of sons. As expressed in Galatians 4:1-5, we are already God's children but do not experience the full privileges of that status until we come to faith in Christ.