“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” – Romans 8:15
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are sealed by God’s Holy Spirit. The Spirit comes to live within us and that changes everything inside us. Our external circumstances may look the same, but inside, we are new creations. Sometimes, though, we struggle to realize that everything’s changed and just keep living the same old way. That isn’t how it should be!
Having God’s Spirit within us is 100% proof that we are children of God. In Christ, God adopts us as His beloved sons and daughters. That means our relationship with God is no longer one of distance, hostility, and separation (because of sin), nor is it merely one of formality (as of a powerful King toward a powerless subject) or authority (as of a boss toward a subordinate). It’s a relationship of genuine familial affection. We’re able to cry out to our perfect Father in Heaven with intimacy, love, and confidence. We’re able to cry out to our “Abba” Father and KNOW that He’s listening with favor and affection. If Jesus is your Lord, this is true for you. Believe it!!!
Knowing that we’ve received the Spirit of adoption means we must resist the temptation to keep doing what we did before we believed in Jesus. We’re no longer slaves to sin and death. We aren’t meant to live in fear, for our eternity is secure in Christ and even death is simply a doorway to greater life. During seasons of widespread fear, uncertainty, doubt, and despair resist the temptation to sink into those things yourself. You are a child of God!