The wonderful blessing of adoption in Christ is the main thrust of this section and a continuation of the Law and good works not being able to save us.  Adoption is an act of God where He places us into His family and we are called heirs of God as seen in this passage.  Paul illustrates that a child or a slave back in Biblical culture were both under guardianship until the child became an adult.  Paul wanted the reader to know that we were all in bondage under elemental philosophies and thinking of the world and the only way we could become heirs is through Christ.  So, now the Holy Spirit assures us of our bond in Christ and we can have this relationship with God where we cry out "Abba Father."

Primary Scripture: Galatians 4:1-7