THE RELATION OF THOSE IN CHRIST TO THE FATHER

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15). "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6).

Devotion 10 of 11 THE SPIRIT CRIES OUT

Notice that "Abba Father" is said to be the expression the Spirit Himself. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6). Among other things, this reveals the identity of the Holy Spirit with the human spirit. Surely the Holy Spirit does not call out "Abba, Father" for Himself. He is an "Eternal Spirit" (Heb. 9:14), and had no genesis. He cry is in our behalf! No person should balk at this truth. If evil spirits could cry out in people (Mark 1:26; 9:26), why is it not possible for the Holy Spirit to do so. If those in captivity can cry aloud, why not those who have been liberated! This is an aspect of speaking as the Spirit gives utterance that could certainly receive more emphasis. The closeness of the Spirit to the regenerated is revealed in their accord with His cry. Romans 8:15 states that we are the ones crying "Abba, Father." "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby WE cry, Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). The Spirit is the Agent, but we are the organ. The intensity of feeling is due to the Spirit, and our wills and accord enter into the matter. I marvel at the greatness of this reality. Surely it is in order for the saints of the Most High God to glory in this unparalleled benefit!

THE SPIRIT OF SONSHIP

The spirit of sonship cannot be overstated. In Christ we come into close and effectual relation with the Living God. Of all of the relationships of faith, the Fatherhood of God is the dearest. Here is a concept that touches the heart. It motivates and brings confidence. This is a privilege not afforded the ancients. They all "died in the faith, not having received the promises" (Heb. 11:13). They "obtained a good report through faith," but did not receive the promise (Heb. 11:39). The glorious announcement is this: "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:40). That "better thing" involves sonship. It begins with regeneration, and will consummate in the fulness of eternal life, which is to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:5,13). You sense the magnitude of this blessing in John's words to the saints. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure" (1 John 3:1-3). Note that the hope of being "like Him" springs from an awareness of sonship! It appears to me that the time sophists have spent promoting the term "Christian" could better have been spent persuading believers of their sonship. There is, after all, no comparison in the Holy Spirit's usage of the terms. This is not intended to be a criticism of the appellation "Christian." Rather, I simply want to point out that the Holy Spirit did not emphasize this term. Our confidence does spring from knowing we are Christians, but from knowing we are "the sons of God." Three times the Spirit uses the word "Christian" (Acts 11:26; 26:1 Pet. 4:16). No congregation was addressed as "Christians." No doctrinal presentation is ever given in relation to this word. It is a good term, but certainly not the best. It is used in Scripture, but not frequently. Those are simply the facts in the case. But when we come to the term "sons of God," it is quite a different story. The Holy Spirit employs this term no less than 16 times. All of them are surrounded with doctrinal presentations (John 1:12; Rom. 8:14,19; 2 Cor. 6:18; Gal. 4:5,6,7; Phil. 2:15; Heb. 2:10; 12:5,6,7,8; 1 John 3:1,2; Rev. 21:7). More should be made of this status in grace! PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise Your name for making me Your son in Christ Jesus. I also delight in the presence of Your Holy Spirit, which bears witness with my spirit, that I am Your child. I need this witness, and thank You for it.

-- TOMORROW: A CLEAR CRY --