Add parallel Print Page Options

Sonship in Christ

Now I say, as long as the heir is a [a]child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is [b]owner of everything, but he is under guardians and stewards until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were (A)enslaved under the [c](B)elemental things of the world. But when (C)the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, (D)born of a woman, born (E)under [d]the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under [e]the Law, that we might receive the adoption as (F)sons. And because you are sons, (G)God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “(H)Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and (I)if a son, then an heir [f]through God.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 4:1 Or minor
  2. Galatians 4:1 Lit lord
  3. Galatians 4:3 Or rudimentary teachings, principles
  4. Galatians 4:4 Or law
  5. Galatians 4:5 Or law
  6. Galatians 4:7 Through the gracious act of

I’m saying that as long as the heirs are minors, they are no different from slaves, though they really are the owners of everything. However, they are placed under trustees and guardians until the date set by the parents. In the same way, when we were minors, we were also enslaved by this world’s system. But when the fulfillment of the time came, God sent his Son, born through a woman, and born under the Law. This was so he could redeem those under the Law so that we could be adopted. Because you are sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son or daughter, and if you are his child, then you are also an heir through God.

Read full chapter