15 For (A)you did not receive the spirit of bondage again (B)to fear, but you received the (C)Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, (D)“Abba,[a] Father.” 16 (E)The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then (F)heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, (G)if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:15 Lit., in Aram., Father

15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “[a]Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. 17 And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:15 An Aramaic word used by young children when addressing their fathers, but not used by Jews in prayer because it implies a sense of familiarity. Jesus’ use of the word emphasized his Father-Son relationship with God.

15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!

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