One Spirit of promise
The change of phrase in the fifteenth verse (Romans 8:15) is worth our notice. "You have received the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father." You, as many as are the sons of God, have, in virtue of your sonship, received that same Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father.
We, the apostles, prophets, and teachers, for the word may quite properly be understood that way. We, through whom you have believed, the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1). As we and you have one Lord, so we have one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4). As we have one faith, so we have one hope also (Ephesians 4:4). We and you are sealed with one Spirit of promise, the earnest of your inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) and of ours. The same Spirit bears witness with your spirit and with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
1771 text
4. The variation of the phrase in the 15th verse, is worthy our observation. Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father! Ye, as many as are the sons of God, have in virtue of your sonship, received that self-same Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. We, the apostles, prophets, teachers, (for so the word may not improperly be understood) we through whom you have believed, the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. As we and you have one Lord, so we have one spirit: as we have one faith, so we have one hope also. We and you are sealed with one Spirit of promise, the earnest of yours and of our inheritance: the same Spirit, bearing witness with yours and with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 18 in the 1771 Works. John 3:8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.