But when the fullness of the time came
GOD sent forth HIS SON, born of a woman, born under the Law
So that HE might redeem those who were under the Law
That we might receive the adoption as sons
Because you are sons
GOD has sent forth The SPIRIT of HIS SON into our hearts, crying, “ABBA! FATHER!”
Galatians 4:4-6

The word “Abba” (άββā NT:5) is actually an Aramaic word for “father.” It is found in only three places in The BIBLE (Mrk 14:36, Rom 8:15 and Gal 4:6). It is a title for GOD. We are first introduced to this word in The BIBLE during our Precious LORD JESUS CHRIST’s prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. Knowing how horrible HIS suffering will be, our Precious JESUS through great anguish is talking with our Beloved ABBA FATHER concerning HIS impending crucifixion for our salvation (Mrk 14:32-36).

Please note In Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6, the word “Abba” is always paired with the word “Father” (Pateér NT:3962, signifying a nourisher, protector, upholder). These two words together “Abba! Father!” expresses the love and intelligent confidence of the relationship, while indicating the deep trust between parent and child.

In Romans 8:14-17 and Galatians 4:4-6, our Beloved LORD GOD gives us a beautiful truth. When we are redeemed through the precious blood of our Precious JESUS CHRIST (1 Cor 6:20, 1 Pet 1:18-19), we are also adopted by our Heavenly FATHER (Eph 1:5). With redemption comes adoption.

Why is being adopted by GOD so significant? There are many reasons, but here are four good ones:
1. Our GOD’s kindness and compassion, is reflected in HIS being a Father of the fatherless (Psa 68:5), a helper for the orphan (Psa 10:14), and a support for the fatherless (Psa 146:9). But with adoption we become one of HIS own (Rom 8:17, Gal 3:26).
2. We are born again (1 Pet 1:23), not from the loins of man but from the will of GOD (Jhn 1:12-13, Jam 1:18). HE is love (1 Jhn 4:16) and HE demonstrated HIS enduring love through our redemption and adoption (Rom 5:8, 1 Jhn 4:9-10).
3. Though at different times, and in different ways, we have been rejected by man; we have been selected by GOD to be HIS own forever (Eph 1:4-8, Tit 2:13-14).
4. Our past sins have been blotted out (Isa 43:25, Col 2:14), and our old self (our former manner of life) is gone (Rom 6:1-7, Eph 4:22-24).

What is meant by “our old self”? The old self is our essential fallen character. That part of each one of us, that was alienated from GOD, hostile in mind and engaged in evil deeds (Col 1:21-22). But when through faith we surrendered our life to CHRIST (Rom 10:9-10, Col 3:3), that old self died spiritually, and the new self with a new heart was born, and sealed by The Holy SPIRIT of GOD (Eze 36:26-27, 2 Cor 1:21-22, 1 Jhn 3:24).

Are there times when we hold onto the old self? Yes, there are many, even some who are going through this study, are not walking in newness of life (Rom 6:4). They keep holding on to the things from their old life that has died (2 Cor 5:17). They continually look back, holding memories, burdens, and feelings from the past. Instead of giving them to our Beloved LORD GOD (Psa 55:22, Mat 11:28-30, 1 Pet 5:7). When one continues to look back at what was; it is like driving forward while looking in a rearview mirror. Your past remains clear, but your present and future are out of focus. And when one continues to drive forward while looking into the rearview mirror, they make no further progress. Our Beloved LORD JESUS reminds us to “remember Lot’s wife” (Luk 17:32). She was turned to a pillar of salt when she looked back toward Sodom (Gen 19:26).

Why was she turned to a pillar of salt? I asked our Beloved LORD GOD that very same question. HE told me she was disobedient. Like her family, she had been given specific instructions concerning their escape, which included not looking back (Gen 19:17). Her disobedience rendered her useless, unable to progress further. As people of GOD we are called to be salt (Mat 5:13). But when one is disobedient, they lose effectiveness as salt, becoming useless (incapable of acting or functioning effectively). Which leads to one becoming like a pillar — stationary, unchanging in condition, progressing no further (2 Pet 1:8)

How can one stop living in the past?
• Surrender your life to JESUS CHRIST (Rom 10:9-10). To surrender your life is to recognize HIS Lordship or authority over your life. Acknowledging HIS redemption or purchase of your soul (1 Cor 6:20, Act 20:28, 1 Pet 1:18-19).
• Purpose in your heart to KNOW GOD (Exd 33:13). Through studying The WORD of GOD (Ezr 7:10). It is only then you will get to know HIM (Psa 25:4, Psa 119:33-34); and get to know HIS ways, knowing what is right in HIS sight, able to be pleasing to HIM (Jhn 8:29, Eph 5:10, 1 Jhn 3:22).
• Obey HIS WORD (Luk 6:46). It is only through obedience that we truly become children of GOD (1 Jhn 3:10) and brothers and sisters of JESUS (Mat 12:50, Luk 8:21).