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Romans Commentary Chapters 1-8  /  Romans 8:14-18 Our Adoption as Children of God  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
Origen claims no one in the Old Testament addresses God in prayer as “Father,” and Cyprian says the new man says “Father” “for the first time”; how should that reshape the way you pray, and what does it imply about what God intended to give in Christ that was not previously experienced?
Another way to ask: If calling God “Father” is something new in Christ, how should that change the way you pray? What does it suggest God wanted to give us through Christ that people didn’t fully experience before?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, Christians should pray with deep gratitude and humble confidence, recognizing “Abba, Father” as a new privilege of adoption given through Christ. It implies God intended to grant a new, intimate access in Christ—addressing God as Father in prayer in a way not experienced under the old covenant.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot: “we should never forget what an honor it is to be able to address God as our Father.”
  • Origen: after searching, he could not find “even one” Old Testament prayer addressing God as Father (though God is spoken of as Father).
  • Explanation: Christians address God as Father “because we have become His sons and daughters through adoption.”
  • Cyprian: “The new man, born again and restored to God by His grace, says Father for the first time, because he has now begun to be a son.”
  • The “Abba” language highlights intimacy like Jesus in Gethsemane, and “confidence with which we call upon God.”
Discussion Follow-ups If “Father” is adoption-language, how might it change the tone of confession, request, and thanksgiving in your prayers?

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