Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption

by Joel R. Beeke

The Puritans have gotten bad press for their supposed lack of teaching on the doctrine of spiritual adoption. In Heirs with Christ, Joel R. Beeke dispels this caricature and shows that the Puritan era did more to advance the idea that every true Christian is God’s adopted child than any other age of church history. This little book lets the Puritans speak for themselves, showing how they recognized adoption’s far-reaching, transforming power and comfort for the children of God.

Author Joel R. Beeke (Ph.D. Westminster Theological Seminary) is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Serminary, pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, and author of numerous books.

Endorsements "Dr. Beeke is well-known for his landmark work setting the record straight on the Puritan doctrine of assurance. Now he comes to our aid again with a superb treatment of the Puritans on adoption. I welcome his expert entry into this important field, and commend his keen insights and careful analysis to all who are interested in knowing ‘what the Puritans really said’ about adoption." - Ligon Duncan

"In this short but spiritually substantive book, Dr. Beeke—a wise and careful ‘pastor theologian’ in the best sense of both words—introduces us to the Puritans’ comforting and transforming work on spiritual adoption. More than just historically informative, this volume should be warmly welcomed by all Christians who want to learn more about this crucial aspect of our identity as sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ." - Justin Taylor

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Adoption, Christian Living

134 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

Reviews

[Jacob Pippin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short introduction into Puritan thought on the doctrine of Adoption to whet the appetite. Very good primer.

[Andrew Fendrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this excellent book as a research tool for a seminary paper on the doctrine of adoption. It was a fantastic summary of Puritan teaching on the subject, which was previously thought to be limited. This is a short book but absolutely PACKED with research. Very helpful for my studies and very worship-inspiring as I studied my relationship to God as Father.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puritan highlights on the doctrine of adoption. Easy read.

[Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sempre é precioso lembrar das bênçãos e responsabilidades que acompanham os filhos de Deus.

[Jason Kanz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a good introduction to the concept of spiritual adoption. I did not find it particularly engaging, though I think that Beeke hit upon important concepts. I think one of the drawbacks of the book (though I am sure many would like it this way) is that he maintained the original spellings that the puritans used, which made it often difficult to understand.

[Josh Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hallway where there is no room for a brick to be seen because of the vast number of doors. For such a small book there are so many references of great works to open the reader to further study. An encouraging book that will remind you this is my Father's world and I'm a son of that Father.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Puritans have gotten bad press for their supposed lack of teaching on the doctrine of spiritual adoption. In Heirs with Christ, Joel R. Beeke dispels this caricature and shows that the Puritan era did more to advance the idea that every true Christian is God’s adopted child than any other age of church history. This little book lets the Puritans speak for themselves, showing how they recognized adoption’s far-reaching, transforming power and comfort for the children of God.

Author Joel R. Beeke (Ph.D. Westminster Theological Seminary) is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, and author of numerous books.

Endorsements "Dr. Beeke is well-known for his landmark work setting the record straight on the Puritan doctrine of assurance. Now he comes to our aid again with a superb treatment of the Puritans on adoption. I welcome his expert entry into this important field, and commend his keen insights and careful analysis to all who are interested in knowing ‘what the Puritans really said’ about adoption." - Ligon Duncan

"In this short but spiritually substantive book, Dr. Beeke—a wise and careful ‘pastor theologian’ in the best sense of both words—introduces us to the Puritans’ comforting and transforming work on spiritual adoption. More than just historically informative, this volume should be warmly welcomed by all Christians who want to learn more about this crucial aspect of our identity as sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ." - Justin Taylor

- the NT never separates justification and adoption, but neither does it confuse them p32
-We ae acceptable no simply as moral agents, but as the image-bearers of our Father who are being subjectively conformed to Christ p33
- Adoption is the gracious act of God the Father whereby He chooses us, calls us to Himself, and gives us the privileges and blessings of being His children. God the Son earned those blessings for us through His propitiatory death and sacrifice, by which we become children of God 1 John 4:10, and applies them to us a Elder Brother. And the Holy Spirit changes us from children of wrath, which we were by nature, into children of God by means of regeneration; unites us to Christ; works in a s "suitable disposition" towards God and Christ; and seals our sonship as the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the Sons of God." p45 Stephen Marshall

[Taylor Rollo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and helpful book on adoption. It is not a comprehensive look at adoption because it is a look at the Puritan work on adoption (though it is more comprehensive than any systematic theology I have read on the subject).

Looking at the doctrine through the eyes and work of the Puritans is helpful because they have a set of presuppositions that are different from ours, so they see things we do not and challenge us in ways we need to be challenged. All of that comes together to give us great joy and comfort in our status as children of God, if we have repented of our sin and put our faith in Jesus Christ alone.

[David Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Beeke quotes the Puritans a lot and sometimes with little explanation leaving the reader confused.

I really appreciated the first chapter where he gives an extensive outline of work done in the doctrine of adoption.

Also, I appreciated how tightly written the book is making it concise and quick to read.

Finally, Beeke really struggles to apply the doctrine to this current age. He really is stuck back in time, maybe this is a good thing or a bad thing, I don't know. You the reader will have to work to stretch what he says, and quotes, and apply it to our current age.

[Molly Nuñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

If we do not learn the doctrine of adoption, we miss such a beautiful study. We are His people, specifically His children. This read encouraged my heart as a parent toward my children.

While the topic of adoption as a means to bring children In the home is semi outdated, it lays our our adoption as Gods children well and brought me to tears. Gods love for us is more than we can fathom.

Such a good read. Beeke outdid himself on this collection of research. You see his skill and study of the puritans and in writing, this book is my favorite Beeke read so far as well.

[Josh Westerlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure I have ever read a book quite like this, and I doubt I have ever been impacted as much by any other book outside of Scripture itself.

If you want to understand just what it means to be a child of God, pick this one up. It is stacked to the brim with fantastic puritan thought, and thoroughly referenced.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short book that almost serves as an entry into thinking about the doctrine of adoption. There were several ideas and issues to think through that I had not been exposed to, and offered a treasure trove of people and sources in which to study further.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unaware of the caricature that the Puritans didn’t write much on adoption but I’m glad Joel Beeke felt the need to demonstrate otherwise. Lots of wonderful thoughts on what it means to be a child of God to meditate on! 😊

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read proves the Puritans did write, preach, and teach the doctrine of adoption contrary to uninformed opinions.

[Alysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to read some of the puritans without the difficulty of understanding the language differences. Such a helpful and encouraging work.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. More than showing me that the puritans taught on adoption, which it did, it shaped mt theology on adoption. I had some experience with adoption through a sermon and Knowing God by J.I. Packer but this added so much more. I know that there is even more that can be said about adoption. Even before I finished it, my prayers had change because of what I had learned. My Father in Heaven is genuinely concerned with my concerns and cares and wants me to bring them to Him. I recommend this book to anyone.

[Brent Dore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the contributions that the Puritans made to understanding the theology of adoption. It's a quick read but it was disjointed at times due to the jumping between quotes. The reality that we as believers are adopted as sons of God with full inheritance in the kingdom is an earth-shatterings, awe-inspiring truth. This book does an excellent job of helping the reader understand that reality. Highly recommended.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beeke looks at the Puritan writings and teachings on the doctrine of adoption and shows that, far from being neglected, was a consistent (if not dominant) component of their theology. Sadly, this is all Beeke does, presenting here a compendium of others’ writings while adding little to no original material. As such, this is best suited as a reference book and perhaps misses a golden opportunity to examine either the doctrine or its outworking in greater detail.

[Ron Reffett]

Incredible book on the doctrine of adoption from the perspective of the Puritans. Beeke does a wonderful job of exposing the softer more familial side of the Puritans. Great book, especially if you struggle with knowing the true love of the Father for you.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heirs with Christ is a survey of puritan biblical beliefs with respect to adoption. It was a little strange reading a compilation of puritan quotes and biblical texts. There were definitely some good observations in the book.

[James Sibley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy going due to the old English style of the puritan quotes, but still readable and full of wonderful reminders of our status and children of God!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book...especially the foreward!!