OUR FATHER

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 (Romans 8:15-16).

All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; have His name put upon them; receive the Spirit of adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled to cry, Abba, Father; are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by Him as by a father; yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation (Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 12).

Having a worthy father matters. The absence of a worthy father can lead to a trail of devastation. How do you get a worthy father? Paul says, by adoption! When you become a follower of Jesus, you become a child of God. J.I. Packer says, “What is a Christian—the richest answer I know is, a Christian is one who has God for their Father.”

What are the benefits of our adoption? Intimacy—we call God “Abba.” Nowhere in Jewish literature did anyone refer to God with such personal affection, but Jesus does it every time (but one) and invites us to do it as well. Fathering—royal children must be trained for the duties of the crown. We are chiseled by God into the image of our older brother, Jesus.

I was Christian for a long time, but lived like an insecure orphan. When I realized I wasn’t just saved but I was a beloved son, it was a “game-changer.”

Prayer:
Abba, Father—thank you for adopting me and including me in your forever family