How does Galatians 4:5 connect to Romans 8:15 about spiritual adoption? Galatians 4:5 in Focus “to redeem those under the Law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.” • Christ’s mission was two-fold: – Redeem us from the bondage of the Law’s condemnation. – Move us instantly into the family of God as legally adopted sons. • Adoption here is not metaphorical; it is a real, legal transfer of status before the Father. Romans 8:15 Echoes the Same Truth “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” • The Spirit applies what Galatians 4:5 accomplished. • “Abba” signals intimacy; “Father” signals authority—both held together in adoption. • Fear is replaced by confident family love because the adoption is genuine. How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Same Foundation – Galatians 4:5: Christ redeems. – Romans 8:15: The Spirit seals. – Both stress that slavery ends and sonship begins. 2. Legal Status → Experiential Reality – Galatians gives the courtroom decree: we are adopted. – Romans gives the living-room experience: we feel and live as adopted. 3. From Law to Love – Galatians: under the Law ➜ redeemed. – Romans: from fear ➜ “Abba, Father.” 4. One Goal – God wants children who know Him, not servants who dread Him. Other Verses That Illuminate Adoption • John 1:12—“to all who received Him…He gave the right to become children of God.” • Ephesians 1:5—“He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” • 1 John 3:1—“See what great love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God!” Privileges Wrapped into Adoption • New identity—sons, not slaves (Galatians 4:7). • Inheritance—“heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). • Indwelling Spirit—guarantee of our full redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Family intimacy—continuous access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16). Living Out Our Adoption • Reject lingering slavery-mindsets: you are legally, fully God’s child. • Pray “Abba, Father” with confidence—He delights in the call. • Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh; family resemblance matters (Romans 8:14). • Celebrate the inheritance now and forever—eternal life, shared glory with Christ. |
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