Chosen

In Chosen: Building Your Family the Way God Builds His, Andrew Hopper presents a compelling, holistic exploration of Christian adoption and foster care, rooted in the gospel’s transformative power.

As an adoptive father myself, I appreciate how Hopper writes with refreshing candor about both the joys and the sacrifices of adoption and foster care. He addresses difficult realities—including financial concerns, emotional challenges, and the unique needs of children, such as those with Down syndrome—while continually pointing readers back to God’s faithfulness and calling.

Slaves to Sons

I was most impressed by its biblical foundation. Hopper shows that adoption is not merely a compassionate ministry but a living picture of the gospel itself. I was most moved to read his reflections on Galatians 4, where believers are adopted from slavery into sonship. I was surprised to read his discussion of Mephibosheth, who beautifully illustrates God’s grace toward those who could never earn a place at the King's table.

I most related to Hopper’s balanced treatment of calling. He thoughtfully explores what it means to be gifted or called to adopt, acknowledging that practical questions—including finances—are legitimate considerations within discerning God’s leading rather than obstacles that automatically disqualify a family. Family support and financials were a huge part in our adoption journey. He encourages families to prayerfully consider God’s gifting and calling to adopt.

Gospel and Grace

Hopper also highlights adoption and foster care as powerful opportunities to share the gospel. He reminds readers that welcoming vulnerable children into our homes visibly reflects God's welcome of us into His family. I was most interested to read of the spiritual warfare surrounding adoption, arguing that Satan fiercely opposes anything that so clearly displays the gospel and God’s heart for children.

Chosen offers biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and a compelling vision of how the church can reflect God’s adoptive love. It is an honest, hope-filled, and deeply challenging book that will leave readers with a greater appreciation for their own adoption in Christ and a renewed desire to display God’s grace in tangible ways.

I received a media copy of Chosen (Amazon, 5% off your entire order at Westminster Bookstore with code DIVEINDIGDEEP) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.