Unspoken Sermons · Chapter
Abba, Father! explained
This chapter explores the profound relationship between God and humanity as Father and child, arguing against the doctrine of adoption in favor of an inherent sonship.
What happens
This chapter explores the profound relationship between God and humanity as Father and child, arguing against the doctrine of adoption in favor of an inherent sonship. It emphasizes that true sonship is realized through obedience, love, and inner transformation, culminating in the cry 'Abba, Father' as the spirit of adoption that liberates from slavery to law and leads to the redemption of the body and full inheritance as sons of God.
Themes in this chapter
God as Loving Father
The chapter centers on God as the loving Father who calls all to be His sons and daughters through a heart-to-heart relationship, not mere legal adoption.
Inner Transformation and Perfection
Explores the gradual process of becoming perfected sons of God, from the initial cry of 'Abba, Father' to the full redemption of the body and soul.
Faith and Obedience
Emphasizes that true sonship is realized through obedience to the Father, living as Jesus lived, and choosing to be what God is.
Characters to notice
- God the Father
Portrayed as the loving Father who desires sons and daughters to share in His being and nature, and who is the ultimate source of fatherhood.
- Jesus Christ
Referenced as the perfect man whose works of perfected humanity demonstrate the life of obedience to the Father, and as the one through whom believers receive power to become sons of God.
- St. Paul
His writings on adoption (νἱοθεσία) and the cry 'Abba, Father' are central to the chapter; his concept of sonship is clarified and defended against misinterpretation.
- The Child
Symbolizes the believer's initial state of crying 'Father' and beginning the journey toward perfected sonship.
Key passages
“The hardest, gladdest thing in the world is, to cry Father! from a full heart.”
The most difficult yet joyful act is to call God 'Father' with complete sincerity.
Highlights the central emotional and spiritual challenge of the chapter.
“When God can do what he will with a man, the man may do what he will with the world; he may walk on the sea like his Lord; the deadliest thing will not be able to hurt him”
When a person is fully surrendered to God's will, they gain authority over the world and are protected from harm.
Illustrates the power that comes from complete obedience and union with God.
“We are the sons of God the moment we lift up our hearts, seeking to be sons—the moment we begin to cry 'Father.'”
Sonship begins the instant we sincerely desire to be God's children and call out to Him as Father.
Defines the starting point of the spiritual journey toward full sonship.