Abba father Quote by Jonathan Edwards
““The spirit of bondage works by fear for the slave fears the rod: but love cries, Abba, Father; it disposes us to go to God, and behave ourselves towards God as children; and it gives us clear evidence of our union to God as His children, and so casts out fear. So that it appears that the witness of the Spirit the apostle speaks of, is far from being any whisper, or immediate suggestion or revelation; but that gracious holy effect of the Spirit of God in the hearts of the saints, the disposition and temper of children, appearing in sweet childlike love to God, which casts out fear or a spirit of a slave.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: “The Spirit of Bondage” by Jonathan Edwards, 1740
True love for God replaces fear with childlike trust, showing that divine spirit frees believers from slave‑like terror.
In simple terms: God’s love removes fear, making believers children of God.
Key Takeaway
Embrace childlike trust in God.
Themes
faith
trust
fear
spiritual freedom
childlike love
Mood
hopeful
reverent
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- prayer
- church teaching
- personal devotion
Key Concepts
theology
spiritual psychology
Christian mysticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What practices nurture childlike trust?
- How does fear manifest in modern faith?
A Different Perspective
Fear can persist despite belief; trust may be fragile.
![“But it is doubtless true, and evident from [the] Scriptures, that the essence of all true religion lies in holy love; and that in this divine affection, and an habitual disposition to it, and that light which is the foundation of it, and those things which are the fruits of it, consists the whole…” quote by Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2fd/jonathan-edwards-770_affection_but-it-is-doubtless-true-and-evident-fro_82879.jpg)
![“And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And…” quote by Scotty Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bfd/scotty-smith-1447_abba-father_and-they-went-to-a-place-called-gethsema_1734533.jpg)