For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
the spirit.
Exodus 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Numbers 17:12 And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
Luke 8:28,37 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not…
the Spirit.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Isaiah 56:5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
Abba.
Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship
The concept of adoption in Roman culture was significant, as adopted children were given full rights and privileges of natural-born children, including inheritance rights. This adoption is not merely a legal change but a relational one, signifying a new identity and status before God. The "Spirit of adoption" refers to the Holy Spirit, who confirms the believer's status as a child of God. This adoption fulfills the promise of a new relationship with God, as seen in the prophecy of Hosea 1:10, where those not considered God's people would be called "sons of the living God." It also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, making believers heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).
by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
"Abba" is an Aramaic term for father, expressing intimacy and trust, akin to "Daddy" in English. This term was used by Jesus in Mark 14:36 during His prayer in Gethsemane, highlighting the close relationship He had with the Father. The use of "Abba! Father!" signifies the believer's intimate relationship with God, made possible through the Holy Spirit. It reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:33, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people, establishing a personal relationship with them. This cry is a testament to the believer's assurance and confidence in their relationship with God, free from fear and full of love, as emphasized in 1 John 4:18.
The life you now possess was not earned or manufactured; it was received as a gift.
• John 1:12 reminds us that “to all who received Him…He gave the right to become children of God.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation is “by grace…not from yourselves.”
• The emphasis is on God’s initiative, not human effort—He acted first; we simply welcomed what He offered.
What God placed within you is not a force that drives you back into anxious servitude.
• Hebrews 2:14-15 speaks of Christ freeing “those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”
• Galatians 4:3-9 contrasts bondage under the law with freedom in Christ. Any impulse that shoves you toward dread, condemnation, or a never-enough performance mindset is not from Him.
In place of fearful bondage, God installed His own Spirit, stamping you with full family rights.
• Ephesians 1:5 celebrates that He “predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.”
• Galatians 4:5-6 explains that adoption means being redeemed “so that we might receive adoption as sons,” followed immediately by the Spirit entering our hearts.
• Adoption isn’t second-class membership. The Father treats you with the same affection He has for His only-begotten Son (John 17:23).
The Spirit’s presence moves us to speak to God with the intimacy of a beloved child.
• Jesus Himself prayed “Abba, Father” in Mark 14:36, and His Spirit now echoes that address in us (Galatians 4:6).
• “Cry” is a heartfelt, spontaneous outburst, not a formal recitation; it reveals relationship, not ritual.
• Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” because the One on the throne is also “Abba.”
Romans 8:15 assures believers that God has replaced the old, fear-driven slavery with the warm embrace of adoption. The Spirit you received is the Spirit who secures your family status, banishes dread, and stirs an instinctive “Abba! Father!” on your lips. Live and pray from that settled place—loved, accepted, and free.
(15) Spirit of bondage.--The Greek corresponds very nearly to what we should naturally understand by the English phrase, "such a spirit as would be found in slaves." The word "spirit" varies much in meaning in these verses. Here it is the "dominant habit or frame of mind;" in the next verse it is used both for the Spirit of God and the spirit of man.Again to fear.--So as to take you back under the old terrorism of the Law. The Law, if it contained promises, was still more essentially a system of threats; for the threats took effect, while the promises remained ineffectual, because the Law could not be fulfilled.
Spirit of adoption.--That spirit which is characteristic of those who are taken to be sons, who, like the Christian at his baptism, are admitted into this relation of sonship.
Whereby we cry.--The intensity of the Apostle's feeling comes out in this simple definition. Instead of any more formal elaboration of his meaning, he says the Spirit of adoption is that which prompts the impassioned cry, "Abba, Father."
Abba, Father.--"Abba" is the Aramaic equivalent for father. The repetition is one of endearment and entreaty, taken from the natural impulse of children to repeat a beloved name in different forms. Comp. Newton's hymn--
"Jesus, my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King," &c.