Rom.8:15 – For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
This phrase has always given me pause, what was Paul describing by his concept of being adopted as sons and daughters of God. Three things come to my mind when I reflect on this terminology.
First, Paul was clearly describing the legal status of adopted children. Under Roman law an adopted son had all of the privileges of a biological son. He was not a second tier member of the family, he had full right to all of the inheritance and privileges of being a son. Actually an adopted son had a stronger position than even a biological one. The adopted son was a child forever and could not be disinherited.
Secondly, I think of the phrase spirit of adoption and realize that something profoundly spiritual has happened in our lives. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of adoption and He has come to make His home in us. We are sons of God completely, the nature of God has entered into us making this far more than just a legal standing. The nature of God has come to live in us and make us like Him.
Thirdly, this Spirit cries out within us. Paul used the phrase “Abba” which is Aramaic. This is the very word that Jesus used in all of His personal and even public prayer with His Father. We have this same Spirit in us now, calling out from the depths of our heart our love for the Father. This heart change is a sure proof that we are sons of God.
Now how does all of this effect me in my everyday life. First, I have all of the legal rights of a son of God. This includes protection from the enemy and provision for all of my needs
Second, because I have received the Spirit of adoption into my life I have a new nature that is dominating my life. No longer am I bound by the carnal desires of this life, Christ in me (the Spirit of adoption) has totally set me free.
Finally, I have a personal and intimate relationship with the Living God. My heart longs for Him crying out to Abba from the deepest part of my life. This is not a philosophy but a total change of life as we have become sons and daughters.
