How to understand rom 8:16. How do I know God's spirit has witnessed t - Bible Questions and Answers - Prayer Tents

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51. How to understand rom 8:16. How do I know God's spirit has witnessed to my spirit that I'm his child?
Question asked on February 13, 2022 7:14:04 pm

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Hello,

Thank you for the excellent question.

Romans 8:15-16 (NLT)
15So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children.

You ask how you can know you are a child of God. A practical way it is evident for believers is our walk with God. To relate with the passage you pointed out, we would enjoy a loving relationship between a father and child. Now, what does that look like?

I have to be careful here because many people did not have loving fathers or one with whom they could grow in a fatherly relationship. Just in case, let's suppose a loving father who would give up even his own life to better his child. The loving father would grow with his child walking with him and guiding him in various aspects of life.

From a child's perspective, for him to be close to the Father, walk with Him, and follow His guidance, the child must not be stunted in fear as if s/he may be punished for making mistakes.

Verse 15 and 16 point to a particular people who would be afraid—slaves. When enslaved people make a mistake that angers their masters, they would be fired in today's terms or, back then, killed. Enslaved people needed to be very careful, and it would not be like them to take significant risks and try something out of the ordinary. Yet, children can because they know their loving Father got their back if they mess up. They know their Father would not disown them or turn away from them just because they recognize their Father loves them, and everything the Father has is theirs.

That may be a long answer to say that you can know you are a child of God when walking with God. Many churchgoers may not have such intimate relationships with God. Instead, perhaps they see God as one who is often ready to punish, and they need to watch themselves not to trigger God to any further anger. Yet, children of God do not fear approaching God, speaking with Him, and following His guidance.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

I hope you enjoy your conversation and walk with God daily.

Please write back if I may support you any further.

Many blessings!



Answered by Dr. Sang Sur





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