加拉太書第四章第1-7節,保羅說,在耶穌基督裏還不成熟的弟兄姐妹們,雖然是神的孩子,是承受天國產業的,但是與奴仆是沒有區別的。這是因為他們仍然甘願被世界裏的條條框框所束縛,即被律法所捆綁,被世界的傳統所約束。其實,神已經差遣他的兒子耶穌道成肉身來到世上。耶穌為女子所生且生在律法下,目的是要把律法下的人贖出來,叫我們得著兒子的名分,得著自由。我們既然已經得了兒子的名分,神就差他兒子耶穌的靈進入我們的心,因此,我們不再是奴仆,而是神的兒子,能夠時時很自然地呼叫阿爸父。
加4:1 我說那承受產業的、雖然是全業的主人、但為孩童的時候、卻與奴仆毫無分別.
But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all;
加4:2 乃在師傅和管家的手下、直等他父親預定的時候來到。
but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father.
加4:3 我們為孩童的時候、受管於世俗小學之下、也是如此。
So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world.
加4:4 及至時候滿足、 神就差遣他的兒子、為女子所生、且生在律法以下、
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law,
加4:5 要把律法以下的人贖出來、叫我們得著兒子的名分。
that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.
加4:6 你們既為兒子、 神就差他兒子的靈、進入你們〔原文作我們〕的心、呼叫阿爸、父。
And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!"
加4:7 可見、從此以後、你不是奴仆、乃是兒子了.既是兒子、就靠著 神為後嗣。
So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.