The Spirit of Adoption: You Are God’s Child

Romans 8:14–17 (NLT)

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 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. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

Adoption in Roman Culture: A Permanent New Identity

To fully grasp Paul’s message, we must first understand what adoption meant in Roman culture. In those times, huiothesia (adoption) was not a sentimental or symbolic gesture. Rather, it was a legal, binding, and irreversible act.

In Roman law, adoption gave a person full rights of inheritance. In addition, it erased their past debts and identity. Consequently, the adopted child was no longer tied to their old family or status—they were now fully part of the new family.

This context makes Paul’s words all the more powerful. When he says we’ve received the “Spirit of adoption,” he means we’ve been legally and eternally welcomed into God’s family. We don’t just get mercy—we receive a brand new identity.

The Spirit Testifies: You’re Not a Stranger. You’re a Son.

Furthermore, verse 16 reminds us that “His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” That’s not a metaphor—it’s a spiritual reality.

You’re not left to wonder if you belong. Instead, the Holy Spirit confirms it.

You’re not trying to earn a place at the table. Rather, you’ve already been given a seat.

In fact, the very cry of your heart—“Abba, Father”—is itself evidence of your adoption. The word Abba wasn’t formal; it was intimate—like saying Dad or Papa. Through the Spirit, God draws us close—not just as citizens of heaven, but as children of His heart.

Co-Heirs with Christ: Glory Comes with Suffering

Additionally, Paul introduces a truth that’s both comforting and challenging: “We are heirs of God’s glory… but if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

At first, this may sound unsettling. However, it’s a crucial part of our identity.

Yes, we are co-heirs with Christ. That means we share in the riches of heaven, the love of the Father, and the promise of eternal life. But along with that inheritance comes the pathway of Christ Himself—a path that included suffering, rejection, and hardship.

Yet we do not suffer as orphans. On the contrary, suffering affirms our family resemblance. When we endure hardship for our faith, we’re walking the same road our Savior walked. And through it, we grow closer to Him.

What Does This Mean for You Today?

So, how should these truths shape your daily life?

• First, you don’t have to perform for God’s love. You’ve already been adopted.

• Second, you don’t have to live in fear. You are no longer a slave.

• Third, you never walk alone. The Spirit affirms your place in the family.

• Finally, you’re not disqualified by suffering—you’re actually identified by it.

Final Thoughts: Look Up, Child

In a world where identity is often confused and belonging feels uncertain, this truth brings clarity and confidence:

• You are no longer an outsider.
• You are no longer defined by what you’ve done.
• You are adopted by the King of Heaven.

And His Spirit lives in you to prove it—every single day.

Want to Go Deeper?

Explore the full Romans 8 series:

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