Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Upon accepting Christ as your Savior, you received the Holy Spirit. He is within you, guiding you, providing comfort, and helping you to discern His will. Jesus referred to the Spirit as a Helper (John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7) and Paul told us in Romans 8:26 the Spirit helps believers with their prayers.
In the Old Testament we saw that people lived under the old covenant and often that meant they had fear and a sense of obligation. They became “slaves” to the Law because they feared judgement. They did not have the freedom we experience in Christ. We have been made new, washed by His blood, cleansed, justified, and redeemed. We have become the children of God through adoption, His sons and daughters. And because we belong to Him, we don’t have to live in fear of judgement or condemnation, but live in freedom.
Paul also uses the Greek adaptation of the Aramaic word for father here. He calls Him Abba, which basically translates to “daddy” or “papa.” It shows us that we are His children, adopted into His family. But it is more than just adoption. It is a very personal term which shows us that we have a very intimate, loving relationship with Him through the Spirit.
How is your relationship with God? Are you enjoying the freedom of being a child of God or are you still living in fear of judgement and condemnation? Remember – you are His beloved son or daughter and are free to bask in His love. You never have to live in fear again.
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