Romans 8:15

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [or, a spirit] by adoption [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba” [which means] “Father.”

Cross References

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit [i.e., a disposition] that makes us cowards but one that gives us power and love and self-control.

1 Corinthians 2:12

But we [apostles] did not receive the spirit of the world [i.e., human wisdom. See verse 6], but the Holy Spirit from God, so that we could understand what was freely given to us from God [i.e., the gift of inspiration. See verses 9-10].

Romans 8:16

The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God.

Hebrews 2:15

And [also He could] release all of those people who, because of their fear of death, were [kept] in bondage all their lives.

Ephesians 1:5

God predetermined that we should be [considered] His adopted children through [fellowship with] Christ. This is what pleased God and is what He wanted,

1 John 4:18

There is no [reason for] fear if one [really] loves, but a complete love removes fear [from us] because fear produces punishment [i.e., mental anxiety], and the person who is [always] afraid does not have a complete love.

Mark 14:36

So, He said, “Abba, [which means] Father, everything is possible with you. Take this cup [i.e., of suffering] away from me; however, let it not be what I want but what you want for me.”

Romans 8:23

And not just the world, but even we [Christians] ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Holy Spirit [i.e., the first installment of our inheritance from God] also groan within us, eagerly waiting to be adopted as [God’s] children, and receive back our bodies [i.e., in the resurrection].

Luke 11:2

And He said to them, “When you pray you should say, ‘Father, may your name be highly honored. May your kingdom come [to earth].

John 20:17

Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not ascended to the Father yet [Note: Apparently Jesus was discouraging Mary from embracing Him in worship as was done in Matt. 28:9, and thereby causing a delay of when the rest of the disciples would learn of His resurrection], but go to my brothers and tell them [I said] ‘I am [about] to ascend to my Father and to your Father, and to my God and your God.’”

Luke 22:42

saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup [i.e., of suffering] away from me; nevertheless, let it not be what I want, but what you want [for me].”

John 16:8

And when He does come, He will bring conviction to the world regarding sin [i.e., exposing it and producing guilt], regarding what is right [i.e., upholding godly standards], and regarding judgment [i.e., showing that sin condemns].

Acts 16:29

The jailor called for torches [to be brought], then rushed in [to the cell block], shaking with fear, and fell down [on his knees] before Paul and Silas.

Acts 2:37

Now when the people heard this message [of Peter and the other apostles, See verse 14], they were convicted [of its truth] in their hearts and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do [about our condemned condition]?”

Luke 8:37

Then all the people around the district of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave their area because they were gripped with great fear. So, He entered a boat and returned.

Luke 8:28

And when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet [i.e., in worship. See Mark 5:6] and shouted out with a loud voice saying, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Highest God? I beg you, do not torture me.”

James 2:19

You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought].

Romans 8:26

And in the same way, the Holy Spirit helps [us in] our weakness; for we do not know what we ought to pray for [Note: Some translators understand this as “how to pray”]. But the Holy Spirit goes to God on our behalf with groanings [in our hearts] that are not expressed [in words].

Romans 9:4

the Israelites. These people are God’s adopted children; they have [experienced] His glorious presence; they have [received] His Agreements; they have been given the Law of Moses; they possess the [Temple] service and the promises [of God].

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if someone comes [to you] proclaiming another “Jesus,” whom we [apostles] had not preached, or if you people receive a different “spirit” from the one you have [already] received, or a different “gospel” from the one you have [already] accepted, you put up with him quite well.

Galatians 2:4

For [certain] false brothers, who were secretly brought in to observe us practicing our liberty in Christ Jesus [i.e., by not having Titus circumcised], attempted to place us [back] under the bondage [of Mosaic Law keeping].

Galatians 5:1

Christ set us free [from condemnation under the Law of Moses], so we could stay free! Remain where you are then, and do not get tangled up again in the enslaving harness [of the Law of Moses].

Matthew 25:25

and I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you [can] have your own talent [back].’