Spirit of sonship*
This meditative article by Herman Hoeksema, originally published in 1944 and reprinted multiple times, expounds Romans 8:15-16 to explore the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing sinners into the adoption of children and assuring them of their place as God's beloved. Hoeksema emphasizes that apart from the Spirit's effectual work, fallen humans cannot reach Christ or apprehend His blessings, but through the Spirit poured out at Pentecost, believers receive the witness of their sonship and the fullness of salvation. This resource exemplifies the pneumatological emphasis central to Hoeksema's theology and the heritage of the Protestant Reformed Church.
*This meditation by Herman Hoeksema first appeared in the June 1, 1944 issue of the SB in connection with Pentecost. It was reprinted 50 years later, in June of 1994. Now we publish it again, nearly 79 years later. HH was one of the first editors of the SB, pastor of First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI, and founding professor in the PRC Seminary. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org