Galatians 4:4–5
Memory Verse
But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, having come out from a woman, having come under law in order that he should redeem those under law, in order that they should receive the placement of sons (Galatians 4:4–5).
Jesus fulfilled the word of God in Genesis 3:15. There, God stated that the seed of the woman would crush Satan’s head. Christ was born from the seed of a woman, making it possible for this prophecy to be fulfilled (Matthew 1:23). He was also born under the Mosaic law to fulfill it (Luke 2:27; Matthew 5:17–19).
Through faith in Christ, a man is declared righteous, not through the works of the law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 2:16). In all things, Christ was like His brethren. This allows Him to serve as a faithful and merciful High Priest. He made satisfaction for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17). He redeemed those under law and became a curse for them (Galatians 3:13).
Now that those under law have been redeemed, they are able to mature by being placed as sons. In Roman culture, a child was an inarticulate babbler, under the authority of governors and tutors. He was treated no differently from a slave. In this way, Israel was kept under law until faith in Christ came.
The Greek word for adoption does not occur in Scripture. Just as Jews were redeemed from under the law to be placed as sons, so are Gentiles who believe the gospel for salvation. They are never placed under law but put into the same place of privilege. This is possible because, in Christ, we have all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3–4). Now, possessing eternal life in Christ, we can train our senses to discern between what is proper and what is wrong. This allows us to do the desirous will of God (Hebrews 5:14).
A little tidbit of information for your enjoyment: The Greek word that actually means adoption is “amphanisis.” “Amphanisis” was an ancient Greek term for the legal act of adoption. Scripture never uses this term because the grace believer is a child of God; he is not adopted (1 John 3:2).