For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Rom.8:14 -17, ESV).

What a reversal of thought from the former defender of the Law and zealous Pharisees who saw God as so holy that his name was unpronounceable and his presence meant death! Paul was brought up in the tradition that remembered the fire and smoke of Sinai, the demise of Nadab and Abihu for offering strange fire, and Uzzah who crumpled behind the cart after touching the Ark of the Covenant. Under the Old Covenant no one could enter the Holy of Holies (the presence of God) except the High Priest and he could only venture there fearfully once a year. Fear and dread marked the relationship between God and his people before the cross.

But now, Paul describes our relationship as one with “Abba Father” which is the familiar term for Father in Aramaic. That was the term used by small children to address their “daddy” in the days of Jesus and the apostles. Saul of Tarsus would no doubt have been offended by the term and would have considered it irreverent or even blasphemous but not Paul, the follower of Jesus.

This section describes our relationship with the Father as adopted children. Don’t mistake that for some kind of second-class relationship with the Father for you have been chosen. Jewish adoption was somewhat informal but Roman adoption, with which Paul was well acquainted, was formalized. When a Roman family adopted a child or an adult, the entire past of the adoptee was legally erased and they were given full rights of the family and full rights of inheritance equal to the natural children of the family. It was as if the newcomer had always been part of the family. Paul paints that picture for the believer who has been adopted and given the status of son. I believe Paul uses that term because sons were given preference over daughters in terms of inheritance in Jewish families but sons and daughters have equal access to inheritance in the Kingdom of God.

In fact, in Hebrews we are told, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven” (Heb.12:22-23). Interestingly, the term “firstborn” is in the plural form which means the phrase could have been translated “the church of the firstborn ones.” That would suggest that our Heavenly Father has given us all the status of firstborn sons which implies that every believer is “his favorite” and receives the blessing of being a firstborn – a significant position in Jewish families.

A key to living triumphantly on this tattered planet is knowing who you are and what is available to you from the vaults of heaven. As a child of God, you have an inheritance, a birthright, and rights associated with being sons and daughters of the King – now. Too many of us assume that the blessings of the kingdom (health, provision, power, standing, relationship, protection, etc.) are available only after we depart this life but aren’t they even more needful on this planet while we live in enemy territory attempting to extend the Kingdom of God?

Jesus constantly accessed the provisions of heaven for healing, feeding the multitudes, protection, raising the dead, preaching anointed messages, prophetic words, and casting out demons. He modeled life that is ultimately available to every son and daughter of the King who live on this planet. It comes to us through an audacious belief in who we are and who He is and the faith to live as one who is already seated in heavenly places with Jesus. I encourage you to ask the Father daily for a full revelation of who you are and what is yours in Christ so that you may live up to the privilege purchased by the only begotten son for every adopted child. Be blessed in Him.