# Adoption ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Adoption* ([[galatians-04#^galatians-04-5|Gal 4:5]]) - *Huiothesia* (Gk.): means \"adoption as sons\" and can refer to the process of entering a new family or to its lasting result. Paul uses the term five times in the NT. In [[romans-09#^romans-09-4|Rom 9:4]], he lists it among the privileges that Israel enjoyed by virtue of its covenant bond with Yahweh ([[exodus-04#^exodus-04-22|Ex 4:22]]; [[hosea-01#^hosea-01-11|Hos 1:11]]). Every other use of the word is connected with Christians. For Paul, the divine adoption of the believer takes place in two stages: first, our souls are raised to new life and filled with the grace of divine sonship ([[romans-08#^romans-08-15|Rom 8:15]]; [[ephesians-01#^ephesians-01-5|Eph 1:5]]) and, finally, our bodies will be raised to new life and filled with the glory of divine sonship ([[romans-08#^romans-08-23|Rom 8:23]]). Divine adoption results from an infusion of the divine life of the Spirit ([[galatians-04#^galatians-04-5|Gal 4:5-6]]). Historically, the gift of sonship once possessed in part by Israel is now granted in full to all nations united with Christ through faith and Baptism ([[galatians-03#^galatians-03-26|Gal 3:26-27]]). While Christ alone is the natural Son of God, we are made to share in his filial life as adopted \"sons in the Son\". ### Sources [[09-galatians-commentary#^wzlx0l|Adoption — word study]]