I was taught when I was a protestant that I am to be a son through adoption, and what that meant was because of my total depravity, God the Father could only accept me if he looked @ me through "Jesus goggles".  I always felt that adoption was such a great higher example of love, seeing as how it is natural and easier to love your own flesh and blood......

Now that I am making my trek to Holy Orthodoxy, I know that God does so much more than just "adopt" those who attain salvation, the Almighty does what every good adoptive parent wishes they could do....to make that adopted child their own! How worthy He is of praise!! How sad that so many dont know the extent His gracefilled intentions are! The mysteries of Christ, the keys to the kingdom, truly to "children" they fall!!