“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” — Romans 8:15
After we adopted our son, I’ll never forget when he first called us family. He was born halfway across the world in difficult circumstances. But as far as this world is concerned, he is my son, and I am his dad. We are family!
Here is what gets to me. He didn’t earn that. He didn’t pass a test or perform well enough to deserve a place at our table. We chose him, and the choice was made. Nothing about his behavior on a good day or a bad day changes who he is to us.
That is a small picture of something much bigger. Paul says we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear. Bondage is the language of the slave, the one who lives with the constant question, “Have I done enough? Will I be sent away?”
Many believers live that way. They trust Christ for salvation, then quietly slide back into trying to earn their place. Every failure feels like a threat to their standing. Every quiet day with God feels like a performance review.
But that is not what we received. We received the Spirit of adoption. In the Baptist tradition, we hold that salvation is by grace through faith, a gift of God and not of works. The same grace that saves us keeps us. The Father who brought us into His family does not put us on probation.
Adoption means a settled place. Scripture says that by His Spirit we cry, “Abba, Father.” That is a child’s word, spoken with the confidence of one who belongs. Ask yourself honestly. Are you living like a child or like a servant trying to stay employed? Do you come to God only when you feel you’ve been good enough?
Today, take the pressure off. Call Him Father. You are not auditioning. You were chosen, and you are His.
And if you’ve never become part of His family, the door is open. He receives all who come to Him in faith.
Another Well Ministries
If you’d like to talk with someone about what it means to belong to God’s family, or if you need prayer, reach out at anotherwell.org/prayer-requests. Share this with someone who needs to know they belong.
