------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #sonship, #Holy_Spirit, #Pauline_theology, #adoption, #New_Testament # Spirit of Sonship **Scripture Reference: [Romans 8:15-17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.15-17&version=AMP)** ### **Introduction to the Spirit of Sonship** The phrase “[[Spirit of Sonship]]” (alternatively rendered as the “Spirit of adoption”) is a [[Pauline]] term that captures the believer’s intimate relationship with [[God the Father]] through the [[Holy Spirit]]. This concept is grounded in the [[doctrine of adoption]], which teaches that through [[Christ’s redemptive work]], believers are brought into the family of God and receive the [[Holy Spirit]] as the guarantee of their new status as [[Children of God]]. The Spirit of Sonship is foundational for understanding the [[Believer’s identity]] and their transformed relationship with God. ### **The Spirit of Sonship in Romans 8** **Scripture Reference: [Romans 8:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.15&version=AMP)** In [Romans 8:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.15&version=AMP), Paul states, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” This passage contrasts the former state of bondage to the [[law of sin and death]] with the new reality of [[Sonship]] brought about by the [[Holy Spirit]]. 1. **“You have not received a spirit of slavery”:** Paul begins by emphasizing that the [[Holy Spirit]] does not bring believers into a state of fear and slavery but into a state of freedom. This freedom is marked by a release from the [[law’s condemnation]] and a new relationship with [[God]] that is defined by love, not fear. 2. **“The Spirit of adoption as sons”:** The term “adoption” (*huiothesia*) refers to the legal practice in the [[Roman world]] whereby a child or an adult was adopted into a new family and received full rights as an heir. Here, Paul is using adoption imagery to describe the [[believer’s legal standing]] before [[God]]. Through the [[Spirit of Sonship]], believers are no longer seen as outsiders or servants but are given full status as children of God. 3. **“By which we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”:** The use of the Aramaic word “Abba” (meaning “Father” or “Daddy”) signifies a deep, familial relationship with God. It is an expression of intimacy and trust, indicating that the believer has access to God and can approach Him with confidence and love. This cry is not one of timidity but of joyful assurance that comes from knowing one’s identity as a [[child of God]]. ### **The Role of the Spirit of Sonship** **Scripture Reference: [Romans 8:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.16&version=AMP)** Paul continues in [Romans 8:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.16&version=AMP) by explaining that “The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.” This verse highlights the dual role of the [[Holy Spirit]] in affirming the believer’s status: 1. **Internal Testimony:** The [[Holy Spirit]] works within the believer, providing an internal witness that confirms their status as a [[child of God]]. This internal testimony is more than just a subjective feeling; it is a work of the Spirit that brings assurance and conviction. 2. **Assurance of Salvation:** The Spirit’s role in bearing witness with our spirit is foundational for the [[doctrine of assurance]]. This means that the believer’s confidence in their [[Salvation]] is not based on their performance but on the [[Spirit’s testimony]] that they are indeed God’s children. ### **The Implications of Sonship** **Scripture Reference: [Romans 8:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.17&version=AMP)** In [Romans 8:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.17&version=AMP), Paul concludes this section by drawing out the implications of [[Sonship]]: “And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.” 1. **Heirs of God:** Being an heir means receiving an inheritance. Here, Paul uses the concept of [[Inheritance]] to underscore the magnitude of what it means to be a child of God. Believers are not only given a new identity but also share in all that belongs to God. This inheritance is both present and future, with the fullness of it being realized at the [[Second Coming of Christ]]. 2. **Co-Heirs with Christ:** The phrase “co-heirs with Christ” (*sugkleronomoi*) means that believers are united with Christ in such a way that they share in His [[sufferings]] and [[glory]]. This co-heirship is significant because it affirms that the believer’s inheritance is secure, as it is tied to the person and work of Christ. 3. **Suffering and Glory:** Paul’s emphasis on sharing in the sufferings of Christ is a reminder that sonship does not exempt believers from hardship. Instead, it calls them to endure suffering with the hope of future glorification. Just as Christ’s path to glory involved suffering, so too the believer’s path will involve trials, but these trials are not without purpose. They are part of the process of conforming the believer to the image of Christ. ### **The Spirit of Sonship in Galatians 4** **Scripture Reference: [Galatians 4:6-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4.6-7&version=AMP)** Paul’s teaching on the Spirit of Sonship is also found in [Galatians 4:6-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4.6-7&version=AMP): “Because you are [His] sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God.” Here, Paul reiterates that the [[Spirit of Sonship]] is the one who enables believers to cry out “Abba, Father,” affirming their [[Sonship]] and [[Inheritance]]. ### **Practical Implications of the Spirit of Sonship** The reality of having the Spirit of Sonship has several practical implications for believers: 1. **Confidence in Prayer:** Knowing that the [[Holy Spirit]] bears witness to our status as children of God should inspire confidence in prayer. Believers can approach God not as distant or impersonal but as their loving Father who cares for their needs. 2. **Freedom from Fear:** The [[Spirit of Sonship]] liberates believers from fear and insecurity. Because they are secure in their identity as children of God, they do not have to live in fear of rejection or judgment. 3. **Hope of Glory:** The [[Holy Spirit]] is also the guarantee of the future inheritance. This gives believers a hope that sustains them through present trials and suffering. ### **Call to Action:** - Embrace the reality of your [[Sonship]] in Christ. Walk in the freedom that comes from being a [[child of God]]. - Allow the [[Spirit of Sonship]] to lead you in your relationship with [[God the Father]]. Cry out “Abba, Father” with confidence, knowing you are heard and loved. - Reflect on what it means to be a co-heir with [[Christ]]. Let this inspire you to endure suffering with the hope of future glorification. ### **Related Concepts:** - [[Adoption]] - [[Heirship in Christ]] - [[The Doctrine of Assurance]] - [[Abba Father]] - [[Holy Spirit’s Testimony]] - [[The Spirit’s Witness]] - [[Inheritance in God’s Kingdom]]