From Orphans to Heirs

by Mark Stibbe

An exploration of what being adopted into God's family means. The author argues that the key to our liberation as Christians is the biblical image of spiritual adoption. So often we continue to live as spiritual orphans, forgetting that thanks to the saving work of Jesus we have been made sons and daughters of God. Mark Stibbe explores this image of adoption and shares his own story of growing up as an adopted child and the insights his experiences gave him into the heart of God. He shows how we can experience God's fatherly love, through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Genres: Christian Non Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantastic topic, written by a man who knows what it is to be adopted literally as well as theologically. Stibbe does a wonderful job of illustrating this key biblical truth from his own life--and some of the illustrations he uses give powerful glimpses into this glorious biblical truth.

He unpacks what this truth is, and also exposes the need for it--especially given our constant tendency to relapse into living as slaves, trying to earn our father's love. He applies well the doctrine of adoption to several key areas of Christian living such as legalism, deception, addiction, shame, resentment (which he mis-identifies as unforgiveness), fear and rejection.

So why only two stars? If I was reviewing only the good bits, I'd happily give it 4 stars, but there are several areas which concern me, and leave me unable to give it a higher rating. Here's some of what concerned me:

For example
- a strongly charismatic view of dreams and visions
- strongly supportive of the Toronto blessing
- a muddy view of election/predestination.
- a dismissal and misrepresentation of the impassibility of God.
- questionable exegesis/interpretation in places.

Because of his charismatic background I felt that his chapter on the Holy Spirit actually missed out much of what the Bible has to say on the role of the Spirit in our adoption.

Don't get me wrong--there is much gold in here. When he's good its lovely, but when his theology is questionable, therein lies the problem. If you are a minister preparing a series on adoption - it's worth a read.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, great book on a forgotten yet vital doctrine of the Christian Faith: Adoption. While I wouldn't wish to commend every experience this brother had, his essential point was nothing short of fantastic.