“But when the fullness 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” — Galatians 4:4-6.
SONSHIP is more than new birth. Through that we become children of God. This was true of believers in all dispensations. But now by the reception of the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of adoption, we become sons. This is the distinctive blessing of the present dispensation of grace. Old Testament saints were as children in their nonage. New Testament Christians are sons who have attained their majority and are joint heirs with Christ. We are all children of God by the second birth and sons of God by adoption. This is what is unfolded here in Galatians, as also in Romans 8:14-17. In Roman law all born in the family were children, but only those legally adopted were reckoned as sons.
“Abba,” Father—thus we call Thee,
(Hallowed name!) from day to day; —
‘Tis Thy children’s right to know Thee,
None but children “Abba” say.
This high honor we inherit,
Thy free gift, through Jesus’ blood;
God the Spirit, with our spirit,
Witnesseth we’re sons of God.”