Romans 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba… The question has been raised whether this means the Holy Ghost, or a consciousness of being a child of God. It is both, and we cannot distinguish between the two. But we must not confound "adoption" and the "Spirit of adoption," though they are never very far apart. 1. "Adoption" is that act whereby we are received into the family of God. And the way in which this is brought about is thus: Christ is the one Son of God. Into the Son, God elects and engrafts members. As soon as the union takes place, God sees the soul in the relationship in which He sees Christ. He gives it a partnership in the same privileges. 2. But this "adoption," if it stood alone, would be no blessing. A rich man, well educated, "adopts" a poor illiterate child. The child moves in the social circle of his adopted father, and shares his wealth. Now, if his benefactor be a wise man, he will endeavour to give him a filial spirit, and the qualifications which are necessary for his elevation. But if not, the "adoption" will only issue in disappointment and unhappiness to all parties. 3 We cannot, therefore, sufficiently thank God that wherever He gives "adoption," He follows by "the Spirit of adoption." But, as in nature, as soon as ever a branch is grafted into a tree the sap begins to flow into that branch; and however dissimilar the graft to the parent stock, the passing of the graft into that stock gradually makes them one: — so in Christ, the "Spirit of adoption" following the "adoption," seals the union by making the affinity close, happy, and eternal! 4. Of all words that which comprises most of wisdom, tenderness, and love, is "Father." What a repose lies in that, "My Father." And as soon as the Spirit begins to work in a sinner's heart, the very first thing He plants there is, "I will arise and go to my Father," etc. And if only we could take in the simple conception that God is a "Father," well-nigh the whole work of our religion would be done. Thousands acknowledge it is true; but few think of how much has passed in the deepest councils and sublimest operations of God, that we might use that paternal function. All heaven had to come down to earth that we might stand to God again in that lost relationship. The blood of Christ only could purchase it; and no man could ever frame his heart to conceive, or his lips to utter it, but by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5. Now let me examine what a "Spirit of adoption" is. It is not a spirit of doubt and anxiety, in which I say, "Does God really love me? Am I forgiven? How shall I overcome all my difficulties?" That is not what a little child ever feels, if he has got an affectionate father. The "Spirit of adoption" is all hope. Hence, prayer becomes a very bold thing where there is the "Spirit of adoption." A child does not ask a father as a stranger asks him. He goes as one who has a right. If he finds his father's door for a moment closed, see how he knocks. He does not want wages; but he receives rewards. All creation is his Father's house, and he can say, "Everything in it is mine, on to death itself." The "Spirit of adoption" longs to go home. For, if the love of an unseen Father has been so sweet, what will it be to look in His face? (J. Vaughan, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |