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for him: but by reasons of his hand that is upon them, his everlasting Arm that is under
them.
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Our Father provides everything that we need as His children, both physically and
spiritually (Ps. 34:10; Matt. 6:31-33), and will protect us from all harm. He will defend us
from our enemies--Satan, the world, and our own flesh--and right our wronged cause.
He will assist and strengthen us, always lending us a helping hand to carry us through
every difficulty and temptation (2 Tim. 4:17). We may safely leave everything in His
fatherly hands, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6). We are
children under our Father`s special inspection and care (1 Pet. 5:7) for the entirety of our
earthly pilgrimage, sealed to the day of redemption (WCF, XII) in glory where we will
be beyond all danger (Rev. 21:25).
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Our Father gives His angels, as ministering spirits, to serve us for good (Ps. 34:7; Heb.
1:14).
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They guard us and watch for us. Willard calls them tutelary Angels who guard
and defend us from evil and watch for our good (Ps. 91:11). They pitch their tents round
about [believers], Psal. 34.1, they bring down messages of peace from heaven, even
answers of their Prayers, Dan. 9.23, strengthen and confirm them in their secret conflicts,
Luk. 22.43, and when they come to die, they are a convoy to carry their Souls home to
eternal rest, Luk. 16.22.
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Responsibilities or duties of adoption
The Puritans taught that every privilege of adoption had a corresponding responsibility or
duty, each of which transforms the way believers think and live. These may be
summarized as follows:
(1) Show childlike reverence and love for your Father in everything. Reflect
habitually upon your Father`s great glory and majesty. Stand in awe of Him; render Him
praise and thanksgiving in all things. Remember, your holy Father sees everything.
Children sometimes commit dreadful acts in the absence of their parents, but your Father
is never absent. Anthony Burgess explains: There is nothing done in secret, but thy
Father seeth it. There is no heart-pride, no heart-earthlynesse, but thy Father seeth it.