Galatians 4:1-7

New International Reader's Version

4 Here is what I have been saying. As long as your own children are young, they are no different from slaves in your house. They are no different, even though they will own all the property. ² People are in charge of the property. And other people are in charge of the children. The children remain under their care until they become adults. At that time their fathers give them the property. ³ It is the same with us. When we were children, we were slaves to the basic spiritual powers of the world. ⁴ But then the chosen time came. God sent his Son. A woman gave birth to him. He was born under the authority of the law. ⁵ He came to set free those who were under the authority of the law. He wanted us to be adopted as children with all the rights children have. ⁶ Because you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. He is the Holy Spirit. By his power we call God Abba. Abba means Father. ⁷ So you aren’t a slave any longer. You are God’s child. Because you are his child, God gives you the rights of those who are his children.