# Abba, Father! explained — Unspoken Sermons

> Chapter companion for Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/abba-father
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters