Galatians 4:1-9 ▼

1 Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, is in a state of servitude, tho' he is to be lord of all;

2 being under tutors and guardians, 'till the time prefix'd by his father.

3 even so we, whilst we were children, were in a state of servitude to the elements of the world, but when the time appointed was accomplished,

4 God sent forth his own son born of a woman, and subject to the law, to redeem those,

5 who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6 and because ye are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying Abba, that is, father;

7 so that thou art no longer a bond servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God thro' Christ.

8 When you did not know God, you did service to those, who in reality are no Gods; but now that you know God,

9 or rather that you are favoured by him, how can ye turn again to the weak and beggarly elements of the law, to which you desire again to be in bondage?