Adoption and Union with Christ

Christians are part of the family of God, enjoying the privilege of addressing God as Father, but this concept is radical and not shared by all world religions. The idea of being children of God is a gift, not earned, and is made possible through adoption, which is a result of faith in Jesus Christ. This adoption brings about a mystical union with Christ, where believers are in Christ and Christ is in them, creating a spiritual fellowship among all Christians.