1. But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all;
2. but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father.
3. So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world.
4. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law,
5. that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.
6. And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”
7. So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Messiah.
8. However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.