“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. — The συμμαρτυρέω (symmartyreō, "testify together with") of the divine Spirit with the believer's spirit confirms υἱοθεσία (hyiothesia, "adoption"). Assurance of sonship is not inferred from works but witnessed by the Spirit directly engaging the believer's spirit. The μαρτυρία (martyria, "testimony") is internal and relational.
Church Fathers on Romans 8:16
“The Spirit Itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” For it is not from the language merely, he says, that I make my assertion, but from the cause out of which the language has its birth; since it is from the Spirit suggesting it that we so speak. And this in another passage he has put into plainer words, thus: “God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba Father.” Galatians 4:6 And what is that, “Spirit bears witness…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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