SALVATION'S REMEDY FOR FEAR AND BONDAGE

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb 2:14-15). "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).

Devotion 17 of 18

THE CRY OF THE LIBERATED HEART

The spirit of fear cries out, "I am afraid," "I hid myself," and "woe is me." However, when the heart is freed from fear, it speaks other words, and with a different tone. Our text reads, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father'" (Rom 8:15, NKJV). Because a fundamental change occurs in those who are in Christ Jesus, they are no longer intimidated by the presence of the Lord. However, the matter goes further than that. There is a longing for the Lord and His courts. There is also a sense of dependency upon Him–joyful and expectant dependency. This is seen in the words "Abba, Father."

The expression "Abba, Father," is an intensely personal one, denoting close affiliation with God. This is a habitual, or continual, cry of dependence. It comes from the heart, and is an acknowledgment that "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth" (Psa 121:2). It is more of an admission than a plea; more a confession than a petition.

In this articulation we find a response to God that is exactly the opposite produced in Adam and Eve by sin. When the transgressing pair "heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day," it brought no joy to their hearts! Rather, as it is written, "Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden" (Gen 3:8). By Adam's own confession, they were "afraid."

What a marvelous transition is realized in salvation. Now there is a quest for the voice of the Lord! Now all competing pursuits are abandoned in order to the realization of Divine fellowship (Phil 3:7-14). "Abba, Father," confesses the need for the Lord, and a delight in His presence. It reveals a heart that knows its dependency upon the Lord, and joyfully acknowledges it. It is a confession that there is reliance on no one else.

Some have robbed this text of its power by saying "Abba" means "Daddy." I suppose it is all intended to show reliance on God as a little child relies upon its father. However, I am not sure this is the meaning of the expression. It is more of a mature cry, not that of an infant. It is more of a discerning cry than an infantile or merely intuitive one. It is the cry of someone who knows the Lord, and it comes from the heart, not the emotion. Technically, "Abba" is the Aramaic equivalent of "Father."

Our Lord Jesus Himself sanctified this expression. Prior to the Apostles' doctrine, the word "Abba" occurred only one time in inspired writings. Our blessed Lord uttered these words on the night of His betrayal, when He was in agony. "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" (Mark 14:36). I ask you, does that sound like a small child crying "Daddy?" Judge for yourself, and see if this is not the cry of a discerning and understanding heart. He knew, or perceived, that everything was possible with God. He knew God could remove the bitter cup from Him. He also subordinated His own will to that of the Father, stating His preference that His Father's will be done. That is not the cry of an infant, or even a small child! Here is an utterance that pulls the heart and mind into the very presence of the Lord. Jesus drew back from the "cup," recoiling at the thought of becoming sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). But He did NOT draw back from God!

This is the type of Spirit we have received–the "Spirit of adoption." Some feel this is not the Holy Spirit Himself, but is the attitude or demeanor of sonship. Such flimsy explanations are not becoming to men, and surely do not bring glory to God. In explanation of the cry "Abba, Father," the text continues, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Rom 8:16, NKJV). Our text is not referring to an attitude, but to a Presence; not a frame of soul, but of a Helper from heaven. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to so testify to our spirits that we speak in full accord with the nature of our salvation. Our perception agrees with our condition, and our speech confirms our status.

Because in Christ we are freed from sin's dominion, and washed from its contamination, the Holy Spirit can speak comfortably to our spirit. He enables us to rely upon God, and to cry out to Him expectantly. Unlike Adam, God does not come looking for us while we cringe in terror. Rather, we engage in a quest for Him who is waiting to be gracious. Instead of God calling out to us in an estranged state, we call out to Him in a state of reconciliation.

Liberty from sin and fear compels us to call upon the name of the Lord–to rely upon Him, and to receive from Him. Where fear is found, however, men do not rely upon the Lord, for they are afraid to draw close to Him, and have no confidence that He will hear them.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, I thank You for the Holy Spirit, who confirms to my spirit that I am Your son. I know my help comes from You, and I delight in it.

– Tomorrow: CONCLUSION TO THE SERIES –