Some stories grab your heart before you even realize what’s happening. Jimmy Wayne Baker’s story is one of them.
Jimmy didn’t know his father. His mother drifted in and out of prison during his early years, and when she was out for a longer stretch, she had a boyfriend who only made life worse. For an entire year, the three of them lived out of their car — surviving day to day, never knowing what tomorrow would bring.
Until the day they dropped him off beside a Florida road and drove away.
Jimmy was twelve. Alone. Homeless. Carrying everything he owned in a plastic bag.
He walked up to a man named Russel Costner and asked if he could mow his yard for a few dollars. Russel agreed. After a few weeks, he realized Jimmy had nowhere to go. So he invited the boy into his home.
Jimmy accepted the invitation, but he didn’t trust it. He stayed in the house, but he wasn’t in the home. He slept under the roof, but he didn’t feel safe. For days, he kept his plastic bag of belongings on the floor — ready to leave at any moment.
But Russel didn’t give up. He kept reassuring Jimmy that he was welcome… that he was safe… that he was home. Slowly, Jimmy began to believe it. Slowly, he let himself rest. Slowly, he learned what it meant to belong.
And that is exactly what God offers you today.
Growing up, my family had a nickname for me that’s hard to believe now: “Mr. Bones.” I was incredibly skinny. Anyone who knows me today understands that college changed that dramatically.
Back then, the back cover of comic books always had an advertisement promising instant transformation. I don’t remember the product, but I remember the pitch: use this and you’ll become a muscle man — strong enough to defend yourself and win the admiration of every girl on the beach.
I wanted that product. I wanted the instant transformation. But “Mr. Bones” never got his comic‑book miracle.
Thankfully, I discovered a far better before-and-after story — one that actually delivers. Scripture gives us a picture of who we were before Christ and who we become after we believe. And unlike the comic book ad, this transformation is real, immediate, and eternal.
Our “Before” Picture: Two Words That Defined Us
Bondage
We were slaves to sin and the law. We belonged to the enemy. We tried to free ourselves but failed every time. We were separated from God — strangers, outsiders, aliens.
Fear
Think of an abused animal that jumps at every sound. That same instinct lives in those who have been under the enemy’s control for too long. All he has to do is rattle the cage, and we cower.
This is the spiritual condition of every person apart from Christ. It may feel uncomfortable to admit, but Scripture is clear: without Jesus, we live in bondage and fear under a cruel master.
But then — a miracle happened.
The Miracle of Adoption
Paul uses a remarkable word to describe how God breaks our bondage: adoption.
The Greek word is huiothesia — “to place as sons.”
Adoption was a highly technical legal act in the Roman world. A child who was not biologically part of a family was intentionally, permanently placed into that family with full rights and privileges.
And spiritually, that is exactly what God did for us.
What Adoption Accomplishes
- Our old life is erased. All rights of the former family are surrendered. Spiritually, that means the rights of death, fear, and bondage are gone — as if they never existed.
- We receive full sonship. The adopted child gained the father’s name, inheritance, and privileges. In Christ, we become heirs of the Father’s estate.
- We contribute nothing to the process. Adoption is a gift, not a reward. We don’t earn it. We simply receive it.
A New Cry: “Abba”
Paul goes further. Because we are adopted, we can cry out to God as “Abba” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5). This Aramaic word is intimate — often compared to “Daddy.”
It is a cry of confidence. A cry of belonging. A cry that assumes the Father hears and responds.
Adoption ends our past, empowers our present, and secures our future.
Adoption and the Future Promise
Paul calls adoption the first fruit — the guarantee that more is coming (Romans 8:23).
We are fully sons of God now, but the completion of our adoption is the redemption of our bodies. When Jesus comes for His church, we will receive glorified bodies and dwell with Him forever.
Like Paul, we eagerly await that day. Until then, we cling to the promise of adoption — the security we enjoy now and the assurance of far more to come.
Four Parallels Between Roman Adoption and Our Adoption
- A price was paid. Roman families paid to adopt a child. Jesus paid for your adoption with His precious blood.
- Adoption required witnesses and a written guarantee. God has given you His written guarantee in Scripture.
- Adoption was irreversible. Natural children could be disowned; adopted children could not. Spiritually, this means your adoption is forever. You may disappoint your Father, and He may lovingly discipline you — but He will never un‑adopt you.
- Adoption was initiated by the parents. Children didn’t choose adoption; parents did. God chose you. He initiated your adoption long before you ever responded.
Your Part in the Process
Your responsibility is simple: Accept the offer. Receive the promise. Live as a child of God.
If you have trusted Christ, then run to Him. Cry out “Abba.” Bring Him your fears, your needs, your burdens. He invites you into His presence.
Your before-and-after story is already underway — and the best part is still ahead.
