SeniorSeeker
Active member
[size=large]Adoption Versus Bondage[/size]
How does Paul describe the new relationship in Christ? Romans 8:15 (New King James Version) "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." What hope is found in this promise for us? How do we make it real in our lives?
The new relationship is described as freedom from fear. A slave is in bondage. He lives in a state of constant fear of his master. He stands to gain nothing from his long years of service.
Not so with the one who accepts Jesus Christ. First, he or she renders voluntary service. Second, he or she serves without fear, for 'perfect love casteth out fear' 1 John 4:18. Third, adopted as a son, he or she becomes heir to an inheritance of infinite worth. There is hope for us only as we come under the Abrahamic covenant, which is the covenant of grace by faith in Christ Jesus.
What gives us the assurance that God has indeed accepted us as children? Romans 8:16 (New King James Version) "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"
The inward witness of the Spirit confirms our acceptance. While it is not safe to go by feeling merely, those who to the best of their understanding have followed the light of the Word will hear an inward authenticating voice assuring them that they have been accepted as children of God.
Indeed, Romans 8:17 tells us that we are heirs; that is, we are part of the family of God and, as heirs, as children, we receive a wonderful inheritance from our Father. We don
How does Paul describe the new relationship in Christ? Romans 8:15 (New King James Version) "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." What hope is found in this promise for us? How do we make it real in our lives?
The new relationship is described as freedom from fear. A slave is in bondage. He lives in a state of constant fear of his master. He stands to gain nothing from his long years of service.
Not so with the one who accepts Jesus Christ. First, he or she renders voluntary service. Second, he or she serves without fear, for 'perfect love casteth out fear' 1 John 4:18. Third, adopted as a son, he or she becomes heir to an inheritance of infinite worth. There is hope for us only as we come under the Abrahamic covenant, which is the covenant of grace by faith in Christ Jesus.
What gives us the assurance that God has indeed accepted us as children? Romans 8:16 (New King James Version) "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"
The inward witness of the Spirit confirms our acceptance. While it is not safe to go by feeling merely, those who to the best of their understanding have followed the light of the Word will hear an inward authenticating voice assuring them that they have been accepted as children of God.
Indeed, Romans 8:17 tells us that we are heirs; that is, we are part of the family of God and, as heirs, as children, we receive a wonderful inheritance from our Father. We don
Ma Betty