This passage speaks about the coming of Jesus Christ, who was sent by God to redeem humanity and make us children of God through adoption. It highlights the importance of the timing of Jesus' arrival, which was seen as the "fullness of time." The passage also emphasizes that through Jesus, we have access to the Holy Spirit, who enables us to call God "Abba," meaning "Father."
In the first verse (Galatians 4:4), the apostle Paul emphasizes the timing of Jesus' birth. He says that Jesus was born "when the fullness of time had come," which means that Jesus came at the exact right time in history, in accordance with God's perfect plan. This emphasizes that Jesus was not simply a human being who appeared on earth at random, but rather he was sent by God at the perfect time to fulfill a specific purpose.
In the second verse (Galatians 4:5), Paul explains that Jesus was sent to "redeem those who were under the law." This means that Jesus came to free people from the bondage of sin and death, which are the consequences of breaking God's law. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and made it possible for us to be reconciled to God.
The third verse (Galatians 4:6) explains the result of Jesus' work: we are now adopted as sons and daughters of God. This means that we are no longer enemies of God, but rather we have been brought into his family and are now his beloved children. As a result of our adoption, God has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, which allows us to call God "Abba, Father." This is a term of intimacy and affection, which reflects the close relationship that we now have with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Overall, this passage emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It also highlights the importance of the timing of Jesus' arrival and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Galatians 4:4-6. When the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children. And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”