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Abundant Life in the Son: A Study of Salvation

Jesus came to redeem us from the bondage of sin, giving His life to pay
the redemption price and set us free to be the children of God. Therefore,
we need not live in fear any longer: neither fear of death nor fear of God.

We are not to be afraid of God. Fear of this kind is not pleasing to
Him, for it arises from guilt and has to do with punishment. Rather,
as our lives become one with Christ’s, His love is made perfect in us
(1 John 4:16–19). We are able to “approach the throne of grace with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in
our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Adoption permits us to call out directly to God, “Abba, Father”
(Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). This expression has a tone of familiarity
and endearment that arises out of our love, respect, and appreciation
for our Heavenly Father. As we pray thus, we experience His gentle
assurance that we are His children and that He loves us. The Holy Spirit
guides us in appropriate worship to the Father. And He enables us to
come courageously and lovingly to the Father in accordance with His
will (Romans 8:15–17, 26–27).

Another present benefit of adoption is that we are heirs of God. And while
we have not yet received our full inheritance, we are heirs just the same.
Paul declares that God Himself has set us apart and has placed His mark of
ownership upon us. He has also given us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the
guarantee of all that He has in store for us (2 Corinthians 1:21–22; 5:5). The
Holy Spirit in our life is the seal that we belong to God. Paul also claims that
the experience of the Holy Spirit is a foretaste of the blessedness of heaven;
and it is the down payment, the guarantee, that someday the redeemed
will inherit completely the blessedness of God.

Future

In addition to the past and present phases of adoption, there is also a
future phase. It is not at the present complete. Nevertheless, we live in
anticipation of the glory that will be ours at the coming of Christ. Then
we shall fully realize the benefits of adoption.

In Romans 8:18–23, Paul spoke prophetically of all creation waiting for
the glory that shall come. At the present, creation is in decay. It is longing
for sin’s power to be broken, for decay and death to be banished, and for

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