--- title: "Chapter 12: Of Adoption | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 12: Of Adoption 1. All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of ado" canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-12-adoption/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=48" --- # Chapter 12: Of Adoption | Westminster Confession of Faith 1. All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God, have His name put upon them, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry, Abba, Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by Him as by a father; yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation. Scripture proofs: Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 8:17; John 1:12; Jer. 14:9; 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12; Rom. 8:15; Eph. 3:12; Rom. 5:2; Gal. 4:6; Ps. 103:13; Prov. 14:26; Matt. 6: 30, 32; 1 Pet. 5:7; Heb. 12:6; Lam. 3: 31; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 6:12; 1 Pet. 1:3-4; Heb. 1:14. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowAdoptionGod’s welcoming believers into his family as his children through Christ.HeirSomeone who receives an inheritance; God’s children share his promised blessings. ### WCF 12.1 · Welcomed into God’s family Everyone God justifies is also adopted through Jesus. God makes them his children, gives them his name and Spirit, and welcomes their prayers. He cares for, protects, provides for, and corrects them as a loving Father. He never casts them out. They share the promises of everlasting salvation as his heirs. Explore the ScripturesEphesians 1:5; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 8:17. Talk about itWhat changes when we may call God our Father? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-12-adoption/#paragraph-1) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - What does it mean for a believer to belong to God’s family? - How can being God’s child help us when we are afraid? #### Scripture to remember 1 John 3:1 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=1%20John%203%3A1) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Thank your heavenly Father for one way He cares for His children. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=48) ## Related reading - [Salvation by grace through faith](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/salvation-by-grace/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-10-effectual-calling/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 29: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-29-how-are-we-made-partakers-of-the-redemption-purchased/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 67: What is effectual calling?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-67-what-is-effectual-calling/) - [Read RP Testimony chapter 12](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-12-adoption/) - [Chapter 11](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-11-justification/) - [Chapter 13](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-12-adoption/