Heirs with Christ
Book Review: 
Joel R. Beeke, Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption, (Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books 2008).
Book Summary:
Although short in length, Heirs with Christ gives a clear and historical defense on the revealing work that the Puritans did on adoption. To begin, the co-founder of Together for Adoption – Dan Cruver – gives a brief forward explaining and emphasizing adoption as being heavenly (vertical) before earthly (horizontal). Often times in theology and in church settings (and yes, even seminaries) the doctrine of adoption is not addressed or seen as important. However, as Dr. Beeke said himself, “besides the doctrine of assurance, nothing means more to my life than the doctrine of adoption.”
Dr. Beeke does a wonderful job of showing several major aspects in dealing with adoption through topics and sections such as: comparing adoption in the Old and New Testament, what adoption is not, the Westminster’s definition of adoption, the transforming power of adoption, pastoral advice in promoting adoption, marks of adoption, transformed relationships of adoption, the privileges and benefits of adoption, motives for pursuing the consciousness of adoption, and lastly, he gives warning, invitations and comfort on the subject of adoption.
If you are looking for a book that shows exactly what the Puritan era contributed on the topic of adoption, this is it. Dr. Beeke helps bring to light exactly what adoption does in transforming the believer and giving them the blessings of adoption, all inspired from the works of the Puritans. Dr. Beeke uses numerous sources, including sections from Herman Witsius, Jeremiah Burroughs, Richard Sibbes, Stephen Marshall, Thomas Manton, John Calvin, Thomas Brooks, William Perkins and Wilhelmus à Brakel.
For example, as Brakel is quoted:
“From being a child of the devil to being a child of God, from being a child of wrath to becoming the object of God’s favor, from being a child of condemnation to becoming a heir of all the promises and a possessor of all the blessings, and to be exalted from the greatest misery to the highest felicity- this is something that exceeds all comprehension and adoration.”
It is a great blessing and privilege to become a child of God through salvation. But it is even greater when we know and understand the fullness of the doctrine of adoption in itself and what it means for the believer. Only then can adoption become a splendorous wonder – seeing how God brings sinners into His family.
Recommendation:
The way in which Dr. Beeke has dug deep into the works of the Puritans to find some of the greatest writings on the doctrine of adoption is tremendous. If you love the Puritans, you will be immensely blessed by reading how they viewed adoption. What better way to enjoy the gospel itself, than seeing the depth of this mighty doctrine! Dr. Beeke’s book will not only enlighten your relationship with God, but will also change and mold your view on what your relationship with God really is.
Purchase here.
