Sons

         But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.  (Galatians 4:4-5)

         Earlier, I wrote about His coming to redeem us. Looking at it from the other angle, today’s passage provides some clarification. He came when He was sent. He was sent to redeem, and the purpose of the redemption wasn’t eternal life (though that’s part of it) but adoption as sons.

         For those who object to “sons” as being exclusive of women and as being indicative of the old, oppressive patriarchy, I’ll point out what seems obvious to me: we, women, are also adopted as sons. Equal with all the other sons. That was the way to indicate inclusivity at that time. They didn’t have to invent pronouns.

          And while the passage refers specifically to those born under the law (Jews), Paul makes it clear elsewhere that there is neither Jew nor Greek. The only identity that matters is the identity of our relationship with God through Christ. In fact, holding on to another identity is idolatry because it puts that other relationship above our relationship with God.

          Today’s passage also connects us to other reasons. The redemption involves Christ’s acting as an intermediary between the Adopter and the adoptees. Since the Law was involved, He had to fulfill the law in order to make it happen. And, He came because He was sent. Once again, many reasons and one.