The Spirit of adoption
What, then, is the other witness? This might easily be learned, if the text itself were not clear enough, from the verse immediately before it. You have received, not the Spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father. It follows, The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).
This is further explained by the parallel text. Galatians 4:6. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts (Galatians 4:6), crying, Abba, Father.
Is not this something immediate and direct, not the result of reflection or argument? Does not this Spirit cry, Abba, Father, in our hearts, the moment it is given? Before any reflection upon our sincerity, yes, before any reasoning whatsoever? And is not this the plain, natural sense of the words, which strikes anyone as soon as he hears them? All these texts, then, in their most obvious meaning, describe a direct testimony of the Spirit.
1771 text
3. What then is the other witness? This might easily be learned, if the text itself were not sufficiently clear, from the verse immediately preceding. Ye have received, not the Spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. It follows, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
4. This is farther explained by the parallel text, Gal. iv. 6. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father. Is not this something immediate and direct, not the result of reflection or argumentation? Does not this Spirit cry Abba, Father, in our hearts, the moment it is given? Antecedently to any reflection upon our sincerity, yea, to any reasoning whatsoever? And is not this the plain, natural sense of the words, which strikes any one, as soon as he hears them? All these texts then, in their most obvious meaning, describe a direct testimony of the Spirit.
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 11 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:16. The second discourse on the witness of the Spirit.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.