Galatians 4:5-7
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
5 to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption.(A) 6 As proof that you are children,[a] God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”(B) 7 So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.(C)
Do Not Throw This Freedom Away.[b]
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- 4:6 Children: see note on Gal 3:26; here in contrast to the infant or young person not of age (Gal 3:1, 3). Abba: cf. Mk 14:36 and the note; Rom 8:15.
- 4:8–11 On the basis of the arguments advanced from Gal 3:1 through Gal 4:7, Paul now launches his appeal to the Galatians with the question, how can you turn back to the slavery of the law (Gal 4:9)? The question is posed with reference to bondage to the elemental powers (see note on Gal 4:3) because the Galatians had originally been converted to Christianity from paganism, not Judaism (Gal 4:8). The use of the direct question is like Gal 3:3–5.
John 1:12
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
12 (A)But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name,
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Romans 8:14-17
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.(A) 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba,[a] Father!”(B) 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,(C) 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.(D)
Destiny of Glory.[b]
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- 8:15 Abba: see note on Mk 14:36.
- 8:18–27 The glory that believers are destined to share with Christ far exceeds the sufferings of the present life. Paul considers the destiny of the created world to be linked with the future that belongs to the believers. As it shares in the penalty of corruption brought about by sin, so also will it share in the benefits of redemption and future glory that comprise the ultimate liberation of God’s people (Rom 8:19–22). After patient endurance in steadfast expectation, the full harvest of the Spirit’s presence will be realized. On earth believers enjoy the firstfruits, i.e., the Spirit, as a guarantee of the total liberation of their bodies from the influence of the rebellious old self (Rom 8:23).
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