To be a Christian is to be brought into the family of God—not as distant servants but as beloved sons and daughters. Adoption is one of the most tender and astonishing truths in all of Scripture. Through Christ, we are no longer orphans; we are heirs, embraced by the Father with the same love He has for His Son.

Romans 8:15–16

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”

God does not simply pardon the sinner—He brings them home. He calls them His children. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians experience the reality of that relationship. We are given new affections, new security, and a new name. We cry out, “Abba, Father,” because the Spirit assures us that we belong to Him.

This identity is not earned; it is bestowed. You are not a child of God because of your works, your status, or your religious performance. You are a child because Christ was sent to redeem you and the Spirit was sent to dwell in you. As children, we are cared for, corrected, cherished, and destined to inherit a kingdom that will never fade.

Think on this…

Let this truth shape how you walk with God today. Approach Him not as a distant deity but as your Father. Cast your cares on Him. Draw near to Him with confidence. And remember—no matter how often you fail or falter, He never disowns His children. He disciplines because He loves, and He leads you because you are His.

Cross References

• John 1:12 – “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
• Galatians 4:6 – “And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
• 1 John 3:1 – “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”
• Matthew 7:11 – “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

Suggested Prayer

Abba Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child. I was once far off, but You brought me near through Jesus. Help me to live today with the assurance that I am loved, known, and never forsaken. Teach me to rest in Your fatherly care and to reflect Your love in all I do. I belong to You—and that is my joy and security. Amen.