ABBA FATHER -- Tomorrow:
"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).
The Spirit is called "the Spirit of adoption" in Romans 8:15. In that text, we are told that we cry out "Abba, Father," due to this situation. There are some who deny the Holy Spirit dwells within the child of God, They say this is not a reference to the Holy Spirit Himself, but to a condition of sonship--"spirit" (not Spirit) of adoption. And what is the point of such a dogma? What purpose is served by saying we have an attitude or sense of sonship. Incidently, the NIV translates the phrase in Romans 8:15, "the Spirit of sonship."
The context of this verse certainly does not discourage us from viewing the "Spirit of sonship" as the Spirit Himself. "If the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you . . . " (v. 11). "But if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (v.13). "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (v. 14). It is difficult to imagine any more clarity being given to the subject.
Why is the word "adoption" used? For many, that suggests we are not really the sons of God, even though the Scripture apprises us that is what we "ought" to be called (1 John 3:1). The word "adoption" emphasizes two things. First, we are not God's children by nature, but by grace. We were "by nature the children of wrath, even as others" (Eph 2:3). However, God has given us "power to become" His sons (John 1:12), even though we were formerly "children of disobedience" (Col 3:6). Second, because of Christ, God has been just and righteous in making us His sons. The transaction will stand up in heaven's court, and pass the scrutiny of the Holy Father Himself.
Even our sense of sonship comes from the influence of the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16). The cry "Abba, Father," therefore, is not simply a formality; it is the expression of a confident heart. The individual crying these words has been assured of divine acceptance. Hallelujah!
PRAYER POINT: Father, In the name of Jesus, I thank You for the confirming witness of Your Holy Spirit with my spirit, that I am Your child.