14 - Abba, Father
Scripture Passages: Galatians 4, Romans 8
Devotional
The name “Abba, Father” is one of the most intimate names for God found in Scripture. It’s a name that speaks of relationship—one marked by closeness, trust, and love. In Galatians 4:4–6, the Apostle Paul helps us understand how this relationship became possible.
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” This passage invites us to explore how God’s redemptive plan moves from being a historical reality to a personal, lived experience.
Redeemed and Adopted
Paul begins by pointing us to Jesus and how in the fullness of time, God sent His Son into the world, born of a woman and subject to the law. Jesus lived a sinless life under the law, fulfilling every requirement that we could never keep. His perfect obedience and His sacrificial death were the means by which He redeemed us from the curse of sin and death.
But redemption wasn’t the end goal. It was the necessary step to something even greater: adoption. Through Christ’s work, God legally declared us to be His children. We were no longer slaves but sons and daughters of the living God. Adoption means we belong to Him completely. It’s not temporary—it’s eternal.
The Spirit Brings It Home
While adoption is a legal reality, Paul shows us how it becomes deeply personal. Galatians 4:6 tells us that God sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father.” This is where the truth of adoption moves from being something we know with our minds to something we experience in our hearts.
In Romans 8:15–16, Paul explains it this way: “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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
The Holy Spirit doesn’t just inform us that we’re God’s children—He helps us experience it. He stirs within us a cry of trust and intimacy that mirrors Jesus’ own relationship with the Father. When we cry “Abba,” it’s not just us speaking; it’s the Spirit working within us, assuring us of God’s love and care.
A Cry of Joyful Trust
The cry of “Abba, Father” isn’t one of fear or desperation—it’s a cry of joy, trust, and confidence. Think about a child running into their parent’s arms, calling out with excitement and affection. That’s the kind of relationship God invites us into. What’s even more incredible is that the word “Abba” was the very word Jesus used to address His Father (Mark 14:36). When we say “Abba,” we’re stepping into the same closeness that Jesus Himself experienced. The Spirit allows us to share in that intimacy, giving us a sense of belonging and security in God’s family.
This privilege also transforms how we live. Ephesians 4:1 calls us to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” As children of the King, we are called to reflect His character, live in obedience to His Word, and pursue holiness in our daily lives.
No matter what challenges you face today, remember that you can run to Him with confidence, calling, “Abba, Father.” You are His child, and He delights in you. What an incredible privilege and honor it is to know Him in this way.
Prayer:
Abba Father, thank You for redeeming us through Jesus and adopting us into Your family. What an incredible gift it is to call You “Abba” and to know You as a loving and faithful Father. Help us to rest in the assurance of Your love and to live as Your children, reflecting Your character in all we do. May Your Spirit continually remind us of our belonging and stir our hearts to draw near to You with joy and trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.