“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'”
Romans 8:15
This study of spiritual adoption will hold many surprises for us. Not only is God the Father treated slightly in most works on theology, but the concept of sonship by spiritual adoption is scarcely understood.
Because of the biblical meaning of the term “adoption,” our study is forced to take a practical approach to the relationship of the believer to the heavenly Father. This approach is demanded by each of the passages in which the phrase “Abba, Father” is found.
Living in the Spirit of Adoption – VA 2015
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Work of the Spirit in Eph 1:13-14 -- sealing and guarantee of inheritence. Rom 8:31shows we have eternal security. Eph 1:13 and Rom 10:13-17 faith comes by hearing. Spirit is inseparable from the Word (Joh 14:17, Joh 15:26; Joh 16:13). Only the Spirit gives life and can't be separated from the Son of God (Joh 6:63, Joh 14:6). Object of our faith is Jesus Christ; the Spirit sheds light. Works of the Spirit: revelation (2Ti 3:16), inspiration (1Pe 1:10-12, 2Pe 1:21), illumination (Eph 1:13) and convicting of the unsaved (Joh 16:7-11). Faith is a partnership; we're saved by grace through faith so that we'll live by grace through faith. Sealing means our eternal destiny is secure. Works of Spirit in salvation: baptism (1Co 12:13), regeneration (Tit 3:5), indwelling (Rom 8:9-11), gifting (1Co 12:4-7), sealing (Eph 1:13-14). Sealing means identification, security, and delivered to arrive safely (illustration Rom 15:28). This was promised in the old testament (Heb 6:13-18). Eph 1:14 says Holy Spirit is a down-payment and guarantee on our inheritance (2Co 1:22, 2Co 5:5, 1Pe 1:4-5). Redemption is finished(from blessing point of view) at the resurrection (Eph 1:14). We are God's "purchased possession" -- a personal treasure to be redeemed at the resurrection "to the praise of His glory".
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.