Perhaps due to the economy, both abortion and adoption placements are on the rise. Some women mistakenly perceive that choosing adoption for her baby makes her 'a bad mother'. But the Bible gives us a foundation for adoption.
Ephesians 1:5 says "In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will..."
Adoption is a concept created by God. God refers to believers who enter His covenant family as 'adopted' children. Adoption was originally a privilege reserved for Israel, but through Jesus this privilege extends to anyone who enters a personal relationship with Jesus. In the book of Romans we also wee adoption portrayed as a unique and unbreakable bond between adoptive parent and adopted child. God desires a permanent relationship with us. According to a Roman-Syrian book of law, a birth parent could disinherit a biological child 'if he had good reason' but could never disinherit an adopted child.
The Bible also illustrates adoption in the lives of several major people. For example, Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. Adoption upholds the Scriptural emphasis on the role of the father in the family. We see this in Joseph's life when an angel appears to him in a dream and commands him to take Mary as his wife and name the child Jesus. Joseph accepted Jesus as his own son and assumed the rights and responsibilities of fatherhood.
Though there is much Biblical support for adoption, choosing adoption remains a challenging decision that must be considered carefully. Study the Bible in regards to adoption; pray for God to lead you; consider what is best for both the birthmother and her child. You may find it helpful to read the chapters "Should she parent alone?", "Should we adopt the baby?", and "Should she make an adoption plan?" in our book "How to Survive Your Teen's Pregnancy".
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