Brotherly Wisdom

"I guess that's what bothered me so much about the 'are they brothers?' (spoken of two adopted sons) question. There was almost a note of implied pity--as though, if they were biologically brothers, well, at least they'd have each other. The query seemed to be asking, 'Is this a real family or just a legal fiction?' The question seemed to render them orphans again...
Our adoption is about more than just belonging. Our adoption is about the day when the graves of this planet will be emptied, when the great assembly of Christ's church will be gathered before the Judgment Seat. On that day, the accusing principalities and powers will probably look once more at us--former murderers and fornicators and idolaters, formerly uncircumcised in flesh or in heart--and they may ask one more time,'So are they brothers?' The hope of adopted children like my sons--and like (you and) me--is that the voice that once thundered over the Jordan will respond, one last time, 'They are now.'"
-Russell D. Moore 'Adopted for Life' pp. 26 and 57