We know we are children of God through the Holy Spirit's witness in our hearts, confirming our adoption and relationship with the Father (Romans 8:16).
The assurance of our status as children of God comes from the Holy Spirit bearing witness with our spirit (Romans 8:16). This witness is experienced through our heartfelt cries of 'Abba, Father,' indicating our intimate relationship with God. Additionally, our identity as His children is evidenced by our sufferings for the gospel, which relates us to Christ's own suffering. This inner confirmation, coupled with our struggle against sin and the created order's pain, secures our understanding of being heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, affirming the profound truth of our adoption.
Scripture References:
Romans 8:15-17, Romans 8:15-16, Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:16, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:9, John 10:27-28, 1 John 3:14, Romans 8:16-17, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:5, John 1:12, Romans 8:14
Commentary